Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Around 40 types are passed on through sexual contact, which includes oral sex, vaginal sex or anal sex and can infect the cells of the anus. About 14 of these types of HPV can cause anal cancer or anal lesions that can develop into cancer. These types are called ‘high risk HPV’.
Gay men living with HIV have about 100 times the risk of anal cancer compared with the general population. Women living with HIV have anywhere between seven to 28 times higher risk of invasive anal cancer compared with the general female population. Women living with HIV who have had previous cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells) or cancer have about five times the risk of anal cancer compared with the general female population. Early detection means treatment is associated with greater survival rates than treatment at later stages.
Our Factsheet: HPV & Anal Cancer unpacks the relationship between human papillomavirus and living with HIV, include the increased risk factors for men and women living with HIV.
