Health

Rectal Cancer a Danger for People with HIV

Published

10 years ago

May 21, 2015

Rectal cancer is on the rise for people living with HIV. People with HIV are at 80 times more risk of developing anal cancer than people without HIV.

A national study has been launched, the ANCHORA study, to examine the link between HPV and HIV. The goal of the study is to find the best way to prevent anal cancer.

“ANCHOR” stands for Anal Cancer HSIL Outcomes Research. The study seeks to recruit HIV positive people, screening for High Grade Sqamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) and randomly assigning them to a group that will receive treatment or be monitored.

Participants will be followed for five years allowing for a conclusion of whether screening and treatment of HSIL are effective strategies in preventing anal cancer.

Human Papilloma-Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get at some point in their lives. In most cases HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problem.

But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer.

Approximately 79,000,000 Americans are currently infected with HPV. About 14 million people become newly infected each year.

Anal cancer rates are increasing, with an estimated 7,210 people diagnosed in 2014 in the US. Of those 62 percent were women and 38 percent were men, with the highest rate occurring among HIV positive gay men.

HIV positive people are at a higher risk of becoming infected with HPV and once infected, the time from HPV to cancer happens more quickly for those with HIV versus the typical infection rate of 30 to 40 years.

HPV can cause cell changes in the anus and a higher incidence have been found in HIV positive men and women independent of whether they have anal sex.

Anal dysplasia refers more specifically to pre-cancerous lesions most commonly caused by HPV before the condition potentially worsens to cancer.

The pre-cancerous legions caused by HPV, has been typically been treated in the vagina but are now being treated in the anus as well (for both men and women).

No one knew that cervical cancer was preventable before the use of Pap smears became widespread in the 1960s and cut the incidence of the disease by 80 percent, according to Dr. Joel Palefsky, the study’s principal investigator. Like cervical cancer, anal cancer is often symptom free.

Dr. Lisha Wilson, who is the primary care doctor for AIDS Health Foundation here in the Bay Area, serving HIV patients in Oakland and San Francisco, says, “Anal cancer screening is very important; the problem is resources, particularly for uninsured patients.”

Wilson says doctors just don’t do the screening for some patients because if the screening suggests abnormalities, there would be no options to offer due to lack of insurance coverage.

“For those patients who are insured, I screen everyone,” says Wilson. “I think it’s an important disease, an important intervention, that is effective and definitely worthwhile.”

Anal cancer is easiest to treat when caught early, but screening for anal cancer is not routine like screenings for cervical or colon cancer. This is because removing the HPV damaged cells has not been proven to prevent anal cancer.

Both groups will be checked at least every six months, and if any of the HPV damaged cells develop into cancer during the study, they will be treated.

The ANCHOR study in San Francisco is one of 12 sites throughout the U.S. participation in the study. Not only will this saves lives, but third-party payers will be more likely to cover the costs of screening for anal cancer.

The study is looking for male and female candidates, at least 35 years of age, HIV positive never been vaccinated against HPV or treated for anal dysplasia, never had cancer of the anus, vulva, vagina, or cervix.

To take part in the study call: 415-353-7443 or go to http://anchorstudy.org/

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California Black Media

Gov. Newsom Goes to Washington to Advocate for California Priorities

Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials and members of California’s congressional delegation. During the week, he pushed for increased resources to improve public safety and quality of life in California.

Published

1 week ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

Gov. Newsom visits the White House on Nov. 14. Photo courtesy of Gov.Ca. Gov

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials and members of California’s congressional delegation.

During the week, he pushed for increased resources to improve public safety and quality of life in California.

“California is continuing our work to secure additional tools and resources to improve access to health care, clean air and water, and secure critical funding to support communities recovering from disasters,” said Newsom.

At the White House, Newsom met with President Joe Biden and key officials, advocating for disaster relief funding, healthcare expansion, and environmental protection. He also engaged in discussions with senior Biden-Harris officials, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, to address water quality improvements and the San Luis Dam project, which will support water supplies for two million Californians.

“Building on our strong partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, California is working closely with the White House over the next two months to deliver the critical protections and resources our communities need,” Newsom said.

On Capitol Hill, Newsom met with California Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with other Congressional leaders, to emphasize the need to approve pending disaster funding, healthcare programs, and environmental protections. He also previewed California’s upcoming special session to proactively address potential federal challenges when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.

Newsom’s discussions also focused on securing Medicaid waivers from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to enhance behavioral health services and reduce homelessness. The state seeks approval for the BH-CONNECT waiver, which would address behavioral health and homelessness, and the MCO Tax Waiver, which would provide over $20 billion for Medi-Cal to improve healthcare access.

Additionally, California is pushing for Clean Air Act waivers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are crucial for enforcing air quality regulations. These measures are projected to prevent 11,000 premature deaths and provide $116 billion in health benefits over the next three decades, according to the Governor’s office.

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California Reports First Case of Mpox in the United States

On Nov. 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reported the first known case of clade 1 Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, in the United States. However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDPH.

Published

1 week ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

On Nov. 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reported the first known case of clade 1 Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, in the United States.

However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDPH.

“This case was confirmed in an individual who recently traveled from Africa and is related to the ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox in Central and Eastern Africa,” reads a statement the CDPH released.

According to the DDPH, “The affected individual received health care in San Mateo County based on their travel history and symptoms. The individual is isolating at home and recovering.”

Public health workers are also conducting a contact tracing exercise and reaching out to people who have been in close proximity to the affected person.

“The mpox specimens from the traveler are being sent to the CDC for further laboratory testing,” the CDPH press release continues.

Californians can take a number of steps to prevent Mpox. Here’s more information:

Preventing Mpox Infection

It appears clade I mpox spreads in a similar manner as clade II mpox, through close (skin-skin), intimate and sexual contact. The identification of a potentially more severe mpox version in the United States is a good reminder for individuals who have certain risk factors to take preventive action, including:

Getting vaccinated if you may be at risk for mpox. For the greatest protection, make sure you get both doses of the vaccine. Find mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) near you.
Taking precautions if you were exposed to mpox. Get the mpox vaccine before symptoms develop and consider avoiding intimate contact with others for 21 days. Watch yourself for symptoms and get tested if they develop.
Preventing spread if you have been told you have mpox. Avoid contact with others until the rash is healed, clean and disinfect shared areas in the home, and notify people who may have been exposed.
Talking to your sexual partner(s).
Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with those who have a rash or sores that look like mpox.
Not sharing items with someone who has mpox.
Washing your hands often.
Protecting yourself when caring for someone with mpox by using masks, gowns and gloves.

Visit the CDPH website to learn more about Mpox with Sexual Health Toolkits and a Campaign Materials Page.

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California Department of Aging Offers Free Resources for Family Caregivers in November

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month this November, the California Department of Aging (CDA) is spotlighting a range of free resources to support caregivers of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Through its extensive network of Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), the state provides essential tools to help caregivers manage their responsibilities while prioritizing their own health and well-being.

Published

1 week ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

“Caregiving is a great act of love, and this month — and every day — we uplift California’s caregivers as the under-recognized backbone of our families and communities,” said Susan DeMarois, director of the CDA. DeMarois emphasized the need for caregivers to access available support to better balance their roles without compromising their own health.

California is home to more than 4.5 million unpaid family caregivers, who contribute an estimated $81 billion annually in economic value through their care. Most caregivers are women who balance work, family, and caregiving responsibilities, often at the cost of their physical and emotional health. Given California’s aging population, the demand for caregiver support is rapidly growing, underscoring the importance of these free resources.

Thousands of caregivers accessed these services in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, benefiting from tools like professional care management and respite support. The Aging in California Resource Guide, available in six languages, offers additional information on caregiver support.

Caregivers can learn more about available resources by visiting the CDA website at aging.ca.gov and connecting with local CRCs or AAAs to discover personalized services to support them in their caregiving journey.