Factors associated with self-reported anal cancer screening history in men who have sex with men
Joseph T. Hicks
A I , Lu-Yu Hwang B , Sarah Baraniuk C , Margaret White D , Elizabeth Y. Chiao E , Nkechi Onwuka F , Michael W. Ross G and Alan G. Nyitray H
A Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
B Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
C Coordinating Center for Clinical Trials, Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
D Gordon E. Crofoot MD, PA, 3701 Kirby Drive, Suite 1230, Houston, TX 77098, USA.
E Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 6620 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
F Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
G University of Minnesota, Program in Human Sexuality, 1300 South 2nd Street, Suite 180, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.
H Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
I Corresponding author. Email: joseph.hicks@uga.edu
Sexual Health 16(1) 96-98 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH18039
Submitted: 11 March 2018 Accepted: 31 July 2018 Published: 6 December 2018
Abstract
Background: 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, there are no formal national guidelines in the US advising men how and when to get anal cancer screening. We sought to assess differences in demographics, familiarity and anxiety about anal cancer among men who report having had anal cancer screening (i.e. anal cytology and/or a digital anorectal examination (DARE)). Methods: MSM were recruited to participate in a study to assess the feasibility of teaching self and partner anal examinations as a means of screening for anal cancer. Data for this secondary analysis were obtained using a written pre-test and a computer-assisted self-interview. Factors associated with screening were assessed with multivariable logistic regression to allow calculation of adjusted odds ratios (aORs). Results: Of the 197 participants with data, 145 (73.6%) reported having had anal cancer screening (either anal cytology, DARE or both) during their lifetime. Men who were younger, Black and HIV-negative were associated with decreased odds of reporting any type of anal cancer screening. For example, compared with White men, Black men were 80% less likely to report screening (aOR 0.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1–0.5). Self-perception of anal cancer knowledge was not associated with screening in multivariable analysis (aOR 1.6; 95% CI 0.6–3.9). Conclusions: Age, race and HIV status were independently associated with a history of anal cancer screening.
Additional keywords: human papillomavirus, MSM.
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