Badpuppy Gay Today |
Tuesday, 02 September 1997 |
There has been found an abnormal development of tissues and cells in the anal canals of gay males, especially those who are HIV-positive. University of California researchers, represented by Dr. Joel Palefsky, predict that the incidence of anal cancer among such gay males will soon show an alarming rise. Dr. Palefsky presented his research on 600-subjects to the National Lesbian and Gay Health Conference at the end of July. The fact that because of new drugs HIV-infected men are living past previous limits, he says, means anal cancer, which must be allowed up to a decade to develop, often does so. Although general anal cancer statistics indicate that anal cancer strikes only one man in every 100,000, the number in HIV-positive gay men and HIV-positive women who practice anal intercourse is 35 times as high, according to the UCSF study. As HIV-positive men become immosuppressed, the number of their anal cancer discoveries multiply. Particularly unnerving is Dr. Palefsky's finding that up to 20% of all HIV-negative anally-receptive men experience abnormal pre-cancerous tissue and cell growth at baseline, while in much compromised HIV-positive men, the figure rises to 75%. Over a four year stretch, the tissue development in those who were positive had worsened to twice the levels found in the HIV-negative control group. Antiviral therapy, reportedly, does little to lessen chances of HIV-positive males with high CD4 counts, of developing advanced disease. Pre-cancerous lesions remain dangerously intact even following the application of anti-HIV therapy. A separate study found that HIV-positive women, reportedly, also harbor the risk of anal cancer development. Cervical and anal HPV were uncovered in such women who harbored the virus in both body sites. Women whose immune systems have not been seriously compromised find their bodies eliminating HPV before reaching age 40. If the virus is retained after the fourth decade in a woman's life, she is at great risk of developing cervical cancer. Electrotherapy, fulguration, pap smear screening, and colposcopic exams, says Dr. Michael Berry of UCSF, are proposed treatments and necessary investigative procedures for all HIV-positive men and women. Exams are considered particularly important for both HIV-positive and negative males. Women who have had a history of anal warts, or cervical or vulvar dysplasia, should also be checked. More information can be found at: http://www.hivpositive.com
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