Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greater risk of developing anal cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) than the rest of the general population. Currently, no formal national guidelines exist advising men about anal cancer screening in the United States. Studies show that MSM’s knowledge of anal cancer and HPV is quite low. We sought to assess differences in demographics, familiarity and anxiety about anal cancer between those men who reported having had anal cancer screening and those who did not.
155 MSM in Houston, Texas were recruited to participate in a study to assess the feasibility of teaching self- and partner-assisted anal examinations as a means of screening for anal cancer. Data were obtained during eligibility screening, a written pre-test and a computer-assisted self-interview.
Of the 155 participants, 106 (68.4%) reported having had anal cancer screening in their life. Men who reported anal cancer screening tended to be positive for HIV (p = 0.04). Men who did not report anal cancer screening were more likely to be African American (p = 0.04) and reported knowing less about anal cancer (p = 0.01). Of 129 men who were directly asked if they had had anal cancer screening, 61 (47.3%) men said they had not, despite reporting a history of an anal Pap test or a digital rectal exam.
Though MSM who have been screened are more confident in their knowledge of anal cancer, many are not aware of what comprises anal cancer screening.