Colon cancer in gay men

Male colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. This is regardless of sexual orientation. Learn more here. Cancer Facts for Gay and Bisexual Men The most common types of cancer among men in the US are prostate, lung, colorectal, and skin cancers. Younger men in particular are also at risk of testicular cancer. Some gay and bisexual men might have a higher risk of anal cancer.

For gay or bisexual men and other MSM, the two biggest cancer risks are anal cancer and oral cancer. Because gay and bisexual men are also at higher risk for hepatitis B, according to. This article aims to provide valuable insights into colorectal cancer prevention for gay men, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community. By addressing the specific risks and challenges faced by this population, we can pave the way for proactive healthcare practices and bridge the gap in healthcare disparities.

Anal cancer is much more likely in gay and bisexual men. The main risk factor for it is having anal sex with men. The risk of anal cancer is even greater if you've been infected with high-risk types of HPV (human papillomavirus). The risk is also higher if you: Anyone can get skin cancer. You are at a higher risk, though, if you have: Fair skin. It is time to change that. March 21 is Anal Cancer Awareness Day.

It is a perfect time to increase understanding about anal cancer and its impact on those affected by the disease — particularly gay men — and to encourage people to talk openly about this often-stigmatized topic. There are a few reasons for the lack of public awareness of anal cancer. For one, it is relatively rare in the general population, affecting about 2 out of , people.

In fact, Temple Health gives tours of the inside of a giant inflatable colon to raise awareness about that disease. Another, more flagrant reason might be because the primary cause of anal cancer is a sexually transmitted infection. Again, not a topic that frequently comes up in conversation. HPV causes other cancers as well, with cervical cancer being the best known. But unlike cervical cancer, which has been decreasing in the U.

Gay men and other men who have sex with men are bearing the disproportionate burden of this disease. The stigma surrounding anal sex and the lack of awareness about anal cancer have contributed to the neglect of this issue. The odds of a gay man developing anal cancer are about 20 to 80 times higher than for a heterosexual man.

This makes anal cancer one of the most common cancers affecting gay men. The risk of anal cancer is even higher among people living with HIV. This is all because of HPV. Having receptive anal sex increases your risk of an anal HPV infection. But there is good news. HPV vaccination can prevent anal cancer. The current HPV vaccine is approved for everyone between the ages of 9 and But there is no reason why sexually active adults cannot get vaccinated.

do gay men get colon cancer more

The other good news is that there are ways to screen for anal cancer. However, there are no national guidelines about who should be screened, when they should be screened, and at what frequency. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine clearly demonstrated that it is possible to diagnose and treat abnormal cells in the anal canal before they can develop into cancer.

This is very similar to how cervical cancer is prevented. In the absence of national guidelines, you can talk to a doctor to see if anal cancer screening is appropriate for you. You should also be aware about the symptoms associated with anal cancer. Pain, bleeding, itching, and discharge in the anal area are possible symptoms but are also commonly caused by other conditions.

Early detection is key to successful anal cancer treatment. Unfortunately, signs of anal cancer are frequently attributed to benign issues like hemorrhoids. If you are experiencing symptoms and have other risk factors for anal cancer, you may need to advocate for your own health. Your healthcare provider should be performing a digital anal rectal exam.

It is a quick and painless procedure that may save your life.