New campaign launches to tackle anal cancer among gay and bisexual men living with HIV

The Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) has joined forces with George House Trust to launch a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of the early signs and symptoms of anal cancer among men living with HIV who have sex with men (MSM).

The initiative seeks to empower communities by highlighting the increased risk, breaking down taboos, and encouraging men to seek medical advice promptly if they notice symptoms including: bleeding from the bottom; persistent anal pain or itching; lumps, bumps or skin changes around the anus; changes in bowel habits or the shape of stools.

Thanks to advances in antiretroviral therapy, most people living with HIV in the UK now enjoy a normal life expectancy. However, as the population ages, managing long-term health beyond HIV is becoming increasingly important. While anal cancer remains rare, people living with HIV are around 19 times more likely to develop the condition than the general population.

For men who have sex with men, the risk is more than three times higher than for other men living with HIV. This includes all men who engage in sex with other men, not only those who identify as gay or bisexual.

The campaign tackles these risks head-on, acknowledging that conversations about anal health can be difficult, but stressing that early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.

The awareness drive includes a series of social media assets and posters displayed in Axess sexual health clinics across Cheshire and Merseyside. A central feature is a blog post by Dr Paul Hine, an HIV specialist in the region, offering expert advice on why HIV clinics are the best place to start these conversations.

Darren Knight, Chief Executive of George House Trust, said: “As gay and bisexual men living with HIV are at increased risk of anal cancer, at George House Trust we’re committed to helping people have open conversations, feel confident talking about anal cancer and ensure everyone knows the signs, symptoms and the support that’s available. It’s so important that we’re raising awareness and getting people talking about anal cancer.”

Jon Hayes, Managing Director of Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, added: “The campaign is designed to give people who need it the knowledge to act when they first notice something that is not right for them - and to give them information on how to reduce their risk of developing anal cancer in the first place.”

Practical steps to reduce risk are also highlighted, including the HPV vaccination, recommended for MSM and people living with HIV aged 45 and under, and the use of condoms.