"Exploring Anal Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Behaviors among Diverse HIV-infected Men Who Have Sex with Men", Alexis Koskan, PhD, PI

HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greatest risk for developing anal cancer. Anal cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus which also causes non-cancerous genital warts. Persistent HPV infection can lead to the development of precancerous lesions which, left untreated, develop into anal cancer. HIV-infected MSM are not regularly screening for these precancerous lesions. This study explores HIV-infected MSM's understanding, attitudes, and behaviors related to the prevention of anal cancer. Sixty in-depth interviews were conducted with HIV-infected English-speaking MSM to explore their ideas about the prevention and early detection of anal cancer. An additional 25 interviews with Spanish-speaking HIV-infected MSM are planned. This study is funded by the University of Miami's NIH-funded Center for AIDS Research (CFAR).