Globally, people living with HIV have the highest incidence rate of anal squamous cell carcinoma, the most common type of anal cancer. The guidelines, launched by ASHM and the second of their kind in the world, will address a key gap in available resources for clinicians. 

Professor Jason Ong, a sexual health physician and ASHM Vice President, said the new guidelines will help build clinicians’ awareness of the warning signs of anal cancer and how to screen for it amongst this priority group.

"Men who have sex with men who are living with HIV have an anal cancer incidence rate over 60 times higher than the general population. Evidence-based screening is essential to close this gap," said Dr Ong.

These guidelines equip healthcare providers with the latest recommendations for screening, diagnosis, and management of precursor lesions of anal cancer in people living with HIV— ensuring early intervention and better patient outcomes,” he said.

Currently, anal squamous cell cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to a lack of obvious early-stage symptoms. The guidelines advocate for proactive screening to drive earlier detections and a better prognosis for patients. 

In Australia, high-risk HPV testing is the primary screening test for anal cancer, with the guidelines also recommending that screening includes physical examinations and a thorough medical history.

"Regular digital anorectal exams and anal cytology or HPV tests can detect abnormalities before they progress to cancer. Following these guidelines means saving lives through early detection,” said Dr Ong.

The Anal Cancer Screening Guidelines for People Living with HIV are available online at www.analcancerscreening.guidelines.org.au.