HIV1-positive men who have sex with men (HIV1-MSM) knowledge and attitudes towards anal cancer screening: A cross-sectional study

Background

Despite combined antiretroviral therapy, risk of anal cancer is eighty times higher in HIV1-MSM than in general population. Although no international consensus exist for routine screening of anal cancer for HIV1-MSM, guidelines in most western countries include at least digital examination and suggest that anal Pap test may be beneficial to diagnose high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. This monocentric cross-sectional study aims to describe HIV1-MSM knowledge and attitudes towards anal cancer screening (ACS).

Methods

All adult patients (pts) HIV1-MSM who went to the Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou in Paris (France) for a consultation were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire about their knowledge regarding ACS and their previous experience. We explored factors associated with previous screening uptake, among patients familiar with ACS, with multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Among an active list comprising 1019 pts HIV1-MSM, 410 completed the questionnaire between June 2015 and January 2016. Median age was 50 years (iqr, 42.5-57.5) and median time from HIV diagnosis was 14.2 years (iqr, 6.9-23.1). HIV viral load was 

Conclusions

Although 82% of the HIV1-MSM were familiar with ACS, only 57% of them have already taken a screening test. Information by physician seems the best intervention to promote the screening. Encouraging physicians to inform HIV1-MSM pts on anal cancer may improve ACS uptake. Moreover, more detailed information and better accessibility of screening centers should help improve screening rate.

Clinical trial identification

Legal entity responsible for the study

APHP

Funding

APHP

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.