Cancer Prevention Services for HIV-Positive Men who Have Sex with Men
March 31, 2016
It is estimated that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with most anal cancer cases, and that between 60 and 70 percent of men who have sex with men (MSM) are infected with the virus.
The prevalence of anal cancer is calculated to be 80 times higher among MSM who are HIV positive than that of the general population.1 Consequently, routine screening methods to test for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells in the anal canal are recommended for MSM.
Through its Advancing Partners & Communities (APC) project, USAID has given the Dominican Republic’s Institute of Virological Studies (IDEV) the equipment to provide anal pap smear services, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HPV, and anal dysplasia, as part of the HIV/STIs package of services.
IDEV’s electro-surgery unit now has equipment to conduct minor procedures. Other equipment now available at the institute includes a binocular, a high-resolution screen, and an ultrasound, endoscopy, and microscopy printer.
Thanks to APC’s technical and funding support, IDEV’s new anal cancer prevention and treatment services will benefit hundreds of MSM and transgender persons.
1Bartlett, John G. and Gallant,Joel E. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.2005-2006. Medical Management of HIV.
It is estimated that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with most anal cancer cases, and that between 60 and 70 percent of men who have sex with men (MSM) are infected with the virus.
The prevalence of anal cancer is calculated to be 80 times higher among MSM who are HIV positive than that of the general population.1 Consequently, routine screening methods to test for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells in the anal canal are recommended for MSM.
Through its Advancing Partners & Communities (APC) project, USAID has given the Dominican Republic’s Institute of Virological Studies (IDEV) the equipment to provide anal pap smear services, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HPV, and anal dysplasia, as part of the HIV/STIs package of services.
IDEV’s electro-surgery unit now has equipment to conduct minor procedures. Other equipment now available at the institute includes a binocular, a high-resolution screen, and an ultrasound, endoscopy, and microscopy printer.
Thanks to APC’s technical and funding support, IDEV’s new anal cancer prevention and treatment services will benefit hundreds of MSM and transgender persons.
1Bartlett, John G. and Gallant,Joel E. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.2005-2006. Medical Management of HIV.