June 7, , by Edward Winstead. Researchers are studying different approaches for anal cancer screening, including one that allows people to self-collect samples for testing. When Daniel G. Garza was diagnosed with anal cancer a decade ago, he had never heard of the disease.
The doctor explained that Garza had a tumor on his anal sphincter. At the time, Garza had been living with HIV for 14 years. But he did not know that gay and bisexual men, especially those with HIV, have an increased risk of anal cancer. Many gay and bisexual men do not have basic information about the disease , studies have shown. Since completing his cancer treatment, Garza has been trying to raise awareness of anal cancer, particularly among Latino and Hispanic communities.
In the process, he has learned about research advances that could eventually help reduce the disease's growing burden. Clarke cautioned, however, that continued progress will depend on overcoming certain challenges, such as a shortage of health care providers trained in performing high-resolution anoscopy to detect and treat precancerous anal lesions.
Now that scientists know treating precancerous lesions can prevent anal cancer, more research is needed to determine the best ways to screen people for anal precancerous lesions.
This work is under way. For instance, some investigators have been exploring strategies for conducting anal cancer screening in ways that reduce barriers to participation.
