Media Release
Friday 21 March 2025
Today on International Anal Cancer Awareness Day, Positive Life NSW along with leading clinicians highlight the importance for all people living with HIV to be aware of the increased risk for anal cancer and raise awareness of this often stigmatised and treatable condition.
Anal cancer is caused by the very common HPV (human papillomavirus), which around 80-90% of sexually active adults already have present in their body. For most people, the virus is unharmful and naturally cleared by the body within two years. For some people, the virus remains uncleared, and certain HPV types can lead to serious health problems.
All people living with HIV, especially women, and men who have sex with men, experience a higher incidence of anal cancer. When anal cancer is detected early, the chances of successful treatment are significantly higher. Today, we can reduce the risk of anal cancer, such as vaccination for people up to age 26 years of age, along with routine annual DARE examinations, screening and timely treatment of anal cancer precursors for older people.
It’s time that all people living with HIV reduce the shame and stigma about the condition which can prevent someone from seeking potentially lifesaving anal cancer prevention or treatment. If you’re living with HIV, speak to your clinician about scheduling an annual routine DARE examination, and know the signs and symptoms of anal cancer. Let’s raise awareness about anal cancer to increase the likelihood of making anal cancer history!
Supporting the goal of making anal cancer history, the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) have published the Australian Anal Cancer Screening Guidelines for all people living with HIV.
- Australian Anal Cancer Screening Guidelines (ASHM, 2025)
OTHER RESOURCES
- International HPV Awareness Day One Less Worry Campaign: How we can beat HPV: Vaccinate & Screen #onelessworry
- A Community Perspective: On Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancer among women and, trans and gender diverse people – PLNSW Community Report, 2019
- PLHIV & Gay Men’s awareness of HPV related anal cancer – PLNSW Community Report, 2018
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Costello, CEO – 1800 245 677 or email communications@positivelife.org.au
Positive Life NSW is the largest peer-led and run representative body of all people living with HIV in Australia based in NSW. We make a significant contribution to, and positive impact across the spectrum of health and social issues on behalf of all people living with HIV in collaboration with HIV specialist and mainstream services to improve the health and quality of life of all people living with HIV in NSW. We do this through evidence-based health promotion, research, policy advice and peer support.
