November 12, 2008 | Health Matters

Advances in anal cancer

A test has been developed in the United Kingdom to catch anal cancer in its early stages. The discovery could save the lives of gay men around the world, with 37 of every 100,000 homosexuals being diagnosed with the disease. HIV-positive gay men, twice as likely to get the cancer, will also find the news reassuring.

"For gay and bisexual men who are at risk of anal cancer, these tests are an important medical breakthrough," said gay activist Peter Tatchell. "They will help save lives. With this reliable screening test, signs of anal cancer will be detected earlier, leading to speedier, more effective treatment."

The lead author of the study, Dr Nick Coleman, said, "Anal cancer is a difficult disease to detect and many cases are identified after it becomes too late for people to undergo simple surgery to remove it. ... We wanted to create a test which was easier to perform and had a high rate of accuracy."

The test was successful in identifying 84% of the patients with anal pre-cancer.

Researchers are also looking into whether Gardsil can help protect men from ever getting the disease in the first place. The drug attacks  the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) , which is believed to be the leading cause of cervical cancer in women as well as a cause of anal cancer in men.

Here's hoping!