Another health victory! The United States Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a popular vaccine for the prevention of anal cancer for both males and females, ages 9 to 26. Gardasil is a vaccine used to prevent four types of infection caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV has been implicated in cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, as well as genital warts. It has also been found to cause anal cancer in both men and women.
Who gets anal cancer
According to WomensHealth.gov, HPV has been associated with over 90% of reported anal cancers. Although more women are diagnosed with anal cancer than men, approving the use of Gardasil for boys and men was a critical step in preventing anal cancer in males. Currently, there are no recommended screening schedules for males for HPV infection as there are with women and PAP Smears.
Estimates suggest that the highest percentage of men developing anal cancer is men who have sex with other men (MSM). As reported by the National Cancer Institute, anal cancer will cause approximately 720 deaths by the end of 2010 in the United States. In MSM, those that are HIV negative are 20 times more likely to develop anal cancer than the general population. HIV positive MSM are 40 times more likely.
Risk factors for cancer of the anus
There are certain risk factors that increase the chances of developing anal cancers. Anal intercourse, fistulas, several sexual partners, and smoking have all been shown to be risk factors for this type of cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms
There are many signs and symptoms of anal cancer, including:
- Anal lumps or bumps
- Rectal bleeding
- Pain around the anus
- Itching near the anus
- Bowel habit changes
- Abnormal rectal discharge
Testing and screening methods
There are a number of tests available to screen for cancer of the anus. A digital rectal exam can be performed during a physical exam and can detect lumps, irritations, and abnormal discharge that can accompany this illness. Other more invasive testing is also available and may require surgical procedures to obtain biopsy samples of anal tissue.
Prognosis
The prognosis for patients with anal cancer varies, depending on the stage of the cancer and whether it has spread to other areas of the body. The best case scenario for patients with anal cancer symptoms is to seek medical treatment immediately as early detection is the most effective way to treat the disease. For many gay men, seeking medical attention may be delayed due to issues with coming out to their physicians.
Discussing Gardisil and children
Parents with boys may want to discuss having their children vaccinated with Gardasil at a young age. Discussing sexually transmitted diseases and their potential effects on your children can be a difficult subject to address. Understand that HPV infection could lead to a life-threatening illness in your children that can be prevented. As with any medical condition, only you and your doctor are equipped to decide if the Gardasil vaccination is right for your child. Consider all of the information provided and make an informed decision on how to protect your children from this disease.
Additional reading:
Care of Special Populations, LGBT Patients
Sources:
- Gay and Lesbian Medical Association:LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER HEALTH:
- FINDINGS AND CONCERNS
- Health Day: Gardasil Approval Expanded to Include Anal Cancer
- National Cancer Institute: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results, Anal Cancer
- HIV/AIDS Resource Center for Gay Men: Anal Cancer, HIV, Gay, Bisexual Males
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Choosing the best method for protecting yourself or your child from anal cancer is a decision that you and your doctor can discuss together. Any reader who is concerned about this issue should contact a doctor for advice.
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