The BEST of Lifelube - "Hey! Keep Your Booty Healthy and Happy with Regular Pap Smears" From Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Hey! Keep Your Booty Healthy and Happy with Regular Pap Smears

via AlterNet, by Antoine B. Craigwell

While anal cancer isn’t that common it’s preventable. But you can only prevent anal cancer if you know you have HPV, are screened and have the precancerous areas treated. You can only do this if you live in an area where anal-pap-smear testing is available and resources exist to provide preventive follow-up.

Early one fall morning, 26-year-old Mark Ramos (not his real name) walked into the New York-based Callen-Lorde Community Health Center for a routine medical check up. After several questions about his sexual practices, Mark consented to a rectal exam. He dropped his pants and underwear and climbed up on to the exam table in a kneeling position. The doctor cautioned that he would feel a slight discomfort as he swabbed Mark’s anus and took the male equivalent of a pap smear. Two weeks later, Mark received a call and was advised that the pap smear revealed that there was a suggestion of the presence of abnormal cells and was invited to come in for a colposcopy, a more thorough examination; the male equivalent of a cervical exam.

Except for that heightened fashion sense, creativity, artistry, and culinary skills, men who have sex with men (MSM) do have at least one thing in common with women: one of the effects of the human papilloma virus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer in women and anal cancer in MSM. Over the years knowledge and treatment for this virus has gradually “come out” of the classification as a women only problem, where more and more MSM are receiving examinations, screenings, and treatment, if precancerous cells are discovered. Anal cancer came to prominence recently with the death of Farah Fawcett.

Read the rest.

Also of butt health interest:

HPV

Yes, I’m Talking to You! A Conspiracy of Silence about Gay Men’s Anal Health 
via White Crane Journal, by Jeff Huyett
Anal Cancer Info, via UCSF Department of Medicine

Hey! Keep Your Booty Healthy and Happy with Regular Pap Smears

via AlterNet, by Antoine B. Craigwell

While anal cancer isn’t that common it’s preventable. But you can only prevent anal cancer if you know you have HPV, are screened and have the precancerous areas treated. You can only do this if you live in an area where anal-pap-smear testing is available and resources exist to provide preventive follow-up.

Early one fall morning, 26-year-old Mark Ramos (not his real name) walked into the New York-based Callen-Lorde Community Health Center for a routine medical check up. After several questions about his sexual practices, Mark consented to a rectal exam. He dropped his pants and underwear and climbed up on to the exam table in a kneeling position. The doctor cautioned that he would feel a slight discomfort as he swabbed Mark’s anus and took the male equivalent of a pap smear. Two weeks later, Mark received a call and was advised that the pap smear revealed that there was a suggestion of the presence of abnormal cells and was invited to come in for a colposcopy, a more thorough examination; the male equivalent of a cervical exam.

Except for that heightened fashion sense, creativity, artistry, and culinary skills, men who have sex with men (MSM) do have at least one thing in common with women: one of the effects of the human papilloma virus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer in women and anal cancer in MSM. Over the years knowledge and treatment for this virus has gradually “come out” of the classification as a women only problem, where more and more MSM are receiving examinations, screenings, and treatment, if precancerous cells are discovered. Anal cancer came to prominence recently with the death of Farah Fawcett.

Read the rest.

Also of butt health interest:

HPV

Yes, I’m Talking to You! A Conspiracy of Silence about Gay Men’s Anal Health 
via White Crane Journal, by Jeff Huyett

Anal Cancer Info, via UCSF Department of Medicine

Study: HPV Vaccine Cost Effective for Gay Men

via Medical News, by Nancy Walsh

Vaccinating men who have sex with men (MSM) against human papillomavirus (HPV) may be a cost-effective approach to the prevention of anal cancer and genital warts, according to a study using decision-analysis models.

Read the rest.

Pre-cancerous cell changes sometimes 'hidden' in anal warts of gay men

via Aidsmap, by Michael Carter

Cancerous or “high-grade” pre-cancerous cells changes were detected in a high proportion of anal warts surgically removed from gay men, US investigators report in the July 1^st edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

The investigators believe that their findings could have implications for the management of anal warts.

There are two types of human papilloma virus (HPV) that can infect the anogenital tract. Strains of the virus that cause cauliflower-like anogential warts involve a low risk of anal cancer. However, some strains of the virus, especially HPV 16 and 18, can cause anal cancer and its precursor, the pre-cancerous cell changes called high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN).

Investigators wished to see if there was evidence of occult – or hidden – anal cancer or pre-cancerous cell changes in the anal warts which were surgically removed from 320 gay men, 50% of whom were HIV-positive. 

Read the rest. 

Give Gardasil to boys too, experts say

Source

Recent evidence shows the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer in women, is poised to become one of the leading causes of oral cancer in men because of changing sexual behaviours.

The findings have reignited the debate over whether boys should be given the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil.

A visiting British virologist, Professor Margaret Stanley, says governments around the world need to examine the long-term economic and health benefits of immunising boys and young men.

The head of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at Melbourne's Royal Women's Hospital, Professor Suzanne Garland, says Australia is leading the way in the rollout of the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil, which immunises against HPV.

"We are in our third year of rolling out the vaccine and we are in the order in the school-based group, in the high 70s, whereas in many other countries, they have only got 30 per cent who have been vaccinated," she said.

But now the vaccination debate has switched genders.

There are growing calls from the medical community for boys and young men to also be vaccinated against HPV.

Advocates include one of Britain's top cervical cancer specialists, Professor Margaret Stanley from Cambridge University, who says a cervical cancer jab in the arms of boys would not just be for the sake of girls.

"These HPVs don't just cause cancer in women. They cause it in men as well. Cancer in the mouth, cancer in the anus and those cancers are very hard to treat," she said.

Read the rest.

Farrah's gift - outing the tumor that dare not speak its name

via San Francisco Chronicle, by Doc Gurley

Even now, most of Farrah Fawcett's obits genteelly - and obtusely - refer to her terminal illness as merely "cancer." Three years ago, when she was diagnosed, Farrah Fawcett's illness was marked with secrecy because of her tumor's location and type. Rectal/anal* cancer is one of the few remaining malignancies whose victims still continue to suffer twice - both from the disease, and the stigma.

Not so long ago, women similarly got tumors in their "female organs" - at least they did where I grew up in the South. That kind of secrecy left listeners not knowing even if people were talking about an above-the-waist disease, or a below-the-waist disease. We can all agree that voyeurism is an ugly human trait, and valid points could be made about whether anyone has a right to know that much detail about anyone's illness. But we have since discovered, thanks to Magic Johnson, Katie Couric, and others, that de-stigmazing body parts and illnesses can, literally, save lives.

The same is true for rectal/anal cancer. And Farrah Fawcett suffered in front of the camera, playing out her battle with disease, and even her decline - and, by doing so, outing her serious illness.

Read the rest.

HPV Confessional

via Trevor's Blog, by Scott De Orio

In March, after having lived for several months with what I thought was a "skin tag" on my anus, I consulted a doctor and discovered I had a light case of anal warts. My path to discovering and treating HPV was fraught with difficulties and I'd like to talk about some of them here. Rose Afriyie has also written about my experiences in her sex column for the Michigan Daily.

At the time in which I contracted HPV, I was practicing what I call "serial monogamy." This means I, having just gotten out of a long-term relationship, casually dated three men consecutively for about two months at a time. In each case, my partners and I used the fact that we were technically monogamous as an excuse to not use condoms.

In December, before having unprotected sex, the guy I was seeing and I actually discussed how he had had genital warts several years previously. He advised me that most sexually active gay men already have the virus lying dormant in their bloodstreams. True as this may be, it doesn't change the fact that having unprotected sex with this man probably gave me anal warts.

Skip ahead to February. I'm seeing a new guy and I visit University Health Services to get a "full" STI screening. After describing my sex practices to the physician's assistant, he examined my genitals and gave me a blood test, ignoring my rectum entirely. Since I am a (nearly) strict bottom, this represents a significant oversight. While I made a mistake in failing to demand that the PA peek at my nether regions, a rectal examination should have (in a perfect world) been a standard component of the examination in the first place.

After my blood test came back clean, I continued to have unprotected sex with my new partner. It was not until about a month later that I, still irritated by the bump on my rectum, discovered I had HPV. If the PA had looked at my anus at UHS, he would have recognized the bump as a wart and I could have been treated (and started practicing safer sex) earlier.

Read the rest.

Peter, what's the scoop on anal cancer?

[Peter Pointers is here 4 YOU, as a service to LifeLube readers - whatever question you may have regarding sexual health, physical health, mental/emotional and spiritual health - ask him. He will find the answers you are looking 4. Below is a recent Q&A you may be interested to read.]

Question: I was concerned, after seeing and hearing about Farrah Fawcett , and reading about the christian right against gay marriage due in part that gay men average life span is shorter than a hetero one, and seeing that anal cancer is 17 times higher in gay men than straight, whats the scoop. Been in monogamous relationship most of my life and been a bottom. just really scared about these facts.

Answer: Thank you for your question. I am always pleased to hear from people who are actively involved in educating themselves about their health. Being health-minded and proactive about maintaining our well-being is something the gay and bisexual community actually does very well.

Definitely, some of the information we come across in mainstream media can be a little scary; especially when the focus is on how sick one population is compared to another. You may be surprised to hear that this type of reporting gives a misperception as to the truth of the matter. Often times in reporting on health issues, there is a focus on negatives or “health disparities.” Read more about why that isn’t always the best viewpoint (especially when discussing gay health) here.

In regards to the “christian right” evidence for shorter gay men’s lifespans, you can read more about that research from a different perspective here.

Now, to the meat of your question: anal cancer and gay men. In gathering information about this topic, I spoke with Dr. Ross Cranston, from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, who has worked in the field of anal dysplasia (pre-cancer) for a number of years, and Matt Sharp, the Director of Treatment and Prevention Advocacy for Project Inform out of San Francisco, CA, and a long-time health educator for men who have sex with men (MSM). Both men have presented on or worked in the fields of gay men and anal health.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that infects the skin and can lead to genital warts, anal warts, and some types of cancers (including penile and anal cancers). Dr. Cranston informed me, “As a gay man, you are rightly concerned about developing anal cancer. Receptive anal intercourse is a major risk factor for infection with HPV that can lead to the development of pre-cancerous cells and ultimately anal cancer.” According to Cranston, HIV-positive gay men are at highest risk, with HIV-negative gay men at approximately half this (which is still much higher than the general population). Sharp adds, “But infection with HPV does not mean you will get anal cancer.” According to Sharp, “about the same proportion of men with HPV disease develop anal cancer as women with cervical cancer.” Only certain types or “strains” of HPV are linked to cancers, and often times strains that cause warts are not the same strains associated with cancers.

Being in a monogamous relationship does not rule out risk. “However, knowing this information is good for us to be able to maintain our health” Sharp assured me. Cranston continued, “There is no HPV test approved for men, so the only test that may be available is an anal Pap test that will show the effects of having HPV infection - abnormal anal cells.” While anal Pap testing remains controversial as a national screening tool - having one will allow your healthcare provider both to detect any abnormal anal cells that are present and to discuss symptoms, signs, and risk of anal cancer with you. In the absence of a Pap test or referral structure, continue to be aware of any new anal symptom such as new pain, bleeding or a 'lump', and have a clinician examine you if it does not resolve in 1-2 weeks. (Many anal conditions have these symptoms, are not serious, and will get better during this time frame - early anal cancer will not.)


As with other cancers, early detection is crucial and anal cancer is no different. Anal cancer is a slow progressing disease and can be treated effectively if detected early - giving patients and doctors time to take care of it - if an anal pap smear is performed.

There are unfortunately relatively few clinics available that can diagnose and effectively treat pre-cancerous areas, such as the one run by Dr. Ross Cranston at the University of Pittsburgh (tel. 877 788 7228). There is a great clinic right here in Chicago called Dyer GI Clinics of Illinois – Dr. Julia Dyer comes highly recommended. Their website is www.dyerclinics.com. They have more information that specifically speaks about the anal pap procedure. Doing a little research into available resources could help you in preventing anal cancer as someone who has anal sex with other men. Your pal, Peter Pointers, would be happy to assist you in that search, as well.

More information about anal pap smears. Here also. (This article mentions the Gardasil vaccine for HPV. Currently it’s only approved for use in girls and young women, but you could speak with your doctor to see if they thought it would be an option for you.)



Be Well,
Peter Pointers
Friend Peter on Facebook

HPV Vaccine is Active in Gay Men

via POZ

The vaccine Gardasil provides at least short-term protection in men who have sex with men (MSM) against human papillomavirus (HPV) strains known to cause cancer, according to a study presented at the International Papillomavirus Conference in Malmö, Sweden.

Specific strains of HPV, particularly types 16 and 18, have been linked to cervical, penile and anal cancer. HPV types 6 and 11 are believed to be a cause of noncancerous lesions and genital warts.

Gardasil has been shown to significantly reduce infection with these four strains of HPV in young women. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that 11- and 12-year-old girls be vaccinated, and that girls and young women between the ages of 13 and 26 also be vaccinated if they’ve not completed a full course of the vaccine. Gardasil, however, hasn’t yet been proved effective in young MSM.

To determine the early response rates of Gardasil in young MSM, Joel Palefsky, MD, from the University of California in San Francisco, and his colleagues, compared the vaccine with a placebo in 602 MSM between the ages of 16 and 26. Regular swabs of the men’s penises and anuses were conducted, as were blood tests. The average follow-up time was one year following the last of the three vaccine injections.

The vaccine was remarkably effective. It reduced the number of external genital lesions by HPV types 6, 11, 16 or 18 by 79 percent. It protected against persistent infection in blood or swab samples by 94 percent. Eighty-nine percent or more of the participants developed antibodies to the four HPV types by month seven.

Palefsky and his colleagues say they are encouraged by these results and look forward to longer follow-up to increase their confidence that the results are lasting.

UCSF: Cancer-causing virus associated with higher risk of new HIV infection

Public release date: 30-Apr-2009
Source

Infection with anal human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause anal and cervical cancers, is associated with a higher risk of new HIV infection in previously HIV-negative men who have sex with men, according to new UCSF research

Infection with anal human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can cause anal and cervical cancers, is associated with a higher risk of new HIV infection in previously HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM), according to new UCSF research.

Read the rest on the IRMA site.

A Vaccine Debate Once Focused on Sex Shifts as Boys Join the Target Market

[Interesting, disturbing, and sadly, not surprising that this important story makes NO MENTION of gay men, for whom HPV is a BIG DEAL.]

Also of interest:
Anal cancer prevention: how we are failing men who have sex with men


via Washington Post, by Rob Stein

When a vaccine designed to protect girls against a sexually transmitted virus arrived three years ago, the debate centered on one question: Would the shots make young girls more likely to have sex?

Now the vaccine's maker is trying to get approval to sell the vaccine for boys, and the debate is focusing on something else entirely: Is it worth the money, and is it safe and effective enough?

"We are still more worried about the promiscuity of girls than the promiscuity of boys," said Susan M. Reverby, a professor of women's studies and medical history at Wellesley College. "There's still that double standard."

Read the rest.

NYC - Forum on Anal Cancer - TONIGHT

Gay Men’s Health Crisis and Harlem United to Host Community Forum - TONIGHT

Anal cancer is on the increase among gay and bisexual men, and people living with HIV. Gay men are 20 times more likely than the general population to contract anal cancer. HIV-positive gay men are 40 times more likely than the general population to contract anal cancer.

The same high-risk strains of HPV (human papillomavirus) that cause most cervical cancers in women are also responsible for causing anal cancer. The virus, spread through receptive anal intercourse, is estimated to be present in 65% of gay men without HIV and 95% of those who are HIV positive. A simple and inexpensive anal Pap test detects the virus. Unfortunately, few physicians are performing anal screening exams and offering anal pap smears to gay men, resulting in anal cancer rates as high as those of cervical cancer before the use of routine Pap smears in women.

On Thursday, February 26, GMHC and Harlem United, two local AIDS services organizations, will host a community forum on anal cancer and gay/bisexual men. Liz Margolies, LCSW, Executive Director from the National LGBT Cancer Network, and Dan Bowers, MD, now in private practice, and former senior partner of Pacific Oaks Medical Group, will present on the latest information regarding prevention and treatment.

Event Information

Date: Thursday, February 26

Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Place: GMHC
The Tisch Building
119 West 24th Street – 9th floor
New York City

Subways: F/V to 23rd Street/6th Avenue; 1/9 to 23rd Street/7th Avenue

Swinging Sixties and HPV

'Baby boomers' hit by sex cancers

via BBC

The arrival of the "swinging sixties" may have heralded a rise in sexually-transmitted cancers, say researchers.

Rates of anal, vulval and vaginal cancers rose for "baby boomers" born in the decades after the Second World War.

Excerpt:

Dr David Robinson, who led the study, said: "These results have revealed a snapshot of just how much rates of these cancers have increased in the post war generations.

"For anal cancer, rates are now higher in women than in men - however, programmes of vaccination against HPV, whilst aimed primarily at reducing the burden of cervical cancer, may also help to reduce the incidence of cancers at these other sites."

Dr Lesley Walker, from Cancer Research UK, said that it was important people understood the dangers linked to HPV.

"Using a condom will lower the risk of exposure to the virus. HPV vaccines are an important advance for future generations, but the cervical screening programme remains vitally important in detecting any changes that might lead to cancer."

Read the whole thing on the BBC.

Gay men likely to be highly sexually experienced before they are willing to 'come out' to obtain HPV vaccine

via Aidsmap

Gay men will have a high level of sexual experience before they are willing to disclose their sexuality to healthcare providers so they can obtain a vaccine for human papilloma virus, an Australian study published in the online edition of Sexually Transmitted Infections has shown. This could mean that many gay men would already have been infected with human papilloma virus (HPV) before they were willing to come forward for vaccination, meaning that its protective effect for these individuals would, at best, be extremely limited.

Earlier research has suggested that there is a high prevalence of genital and anal infection with human papilloma virus amongst gay men, with particularly high levels of infection seen amongst gay men with HIV. Infection with human papilloma virus increases the risk of anal cancer, which occurs with greater frequency in gay men, most notably HIV-positive gay men.

Two vaccines that offer a high level of protection against the strains of human papilloma virus most associated with cervical (and anal) cancer have recently been approved. Their use is currently restricted to women, and to ensure that they have the maximum possible protective effect, UK guidelines state that they should be given to girls aged between twelve and 13 before they become sexually active.

Studies are currently evaluating the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines in men (and people with HIV).

Researchers in Melbourne, Australia, wanted to see how acceptable gay men would find a vaccine for human papilloma virus (assuming the results of trials were favourable). Furthermore, they wanted to gain an impression of how useful the vaccine would be at preventing infection with human papilloma virus.

Read the rest.

Anal Cancer and Rectal Microbicides

Around 150 LifeLube lovelies joined us for the Tunnel of Love/Feast of Fools podcast community forum on November 18 at the Center on Halsted. A booty health topic of great interest was anal cancer - and LifeLube is happy to share a journal article on the subject (below) that ALL GAY MEN should read and print out for their doctors. Also, see below a new journal article on rectal microbicides, another topic of interest at the Tunnel of Love forum.

And if you missed the live podcast taping, no worries, the podcast is available here on the Feast of Fools website.

Click Rectal microbicides: a new focus for HIV prevention
by Dr. Ian McGowan
November 2008 - Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sex Transm Inf 2008;84;413-417

Click Anal cancer prevention: how we are failing men who have sex with men
by Dr. Ross Cranston
November 2008 - Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sex Transm Inf 2008;84;417-419

[print this out for your doc!]

For more info on rectal microbicides, visit the International Rectal Microbicide Advocates.

Tunnel of Love Podcast is Up!

The Tunnel of Love podcast is now available at the Feast of Fools website, along with some awesome pictures from the event!

Remember, you can easily subscribe to the Feast of Fools podcast through iTunes.

Study: Gardasil works for men, too

Merck Cancer Shot Cuts Genital Warts, Lesions in Men

"We finally have something we may be able to offer men as well as women,'' said Anna Giuliano, professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of South Florida and a program leader in risk assessment at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. "It really opens the door to preventing infection and hopefully cancer and genital warts in males.''

Nov. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Merck & Co.'s Gardasil shot, used to prevent cervical cancer in women, slashed the risk of genital warts and pre-cancerous lesions by 90 percent in men, according to the largest study of the vaccine in males.

Merck said it will use the data to seek U.S. approval to sell Gardasil for males this year to protect against warts and the lesions, which may lead to cancer of the penis and anus. The shot protects against the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, or HPV.

Read the rest here.

Lest you forget - everyone has an anus

3 Quickies for Dr. Will Wong

Dr. Will Wong of the Chicago Department of Public Health is one of the featured sexperts at this Tuesday night's "Tunnel of Love" forum, hosted by the Feast of Fools.

He let us peak at his talking points.

1. Why should we care about anal health?
Caring about anal health is important for several reasons. First of all, everyone has an anus; whether you are a man or a woman; you were very likely born with one. Second, having good health, generally speaking, should be important for everyone. Having good health also includes having good anal health, since the anus is a part of our body, and having optimal health of this body part should be everyone’s goal. Promoting anal health is similar to promoting good health for other aspects of lives including having optimal sexual health, mental health, and heart health.

2. What is the biggest misconception we have about our butts?
The anus is often neglected by society because of stigma and social taboos around openly talking about a part of the body that is involved with the elimination of waste. However, the anus also functions as a sexual organ as well as an orifice for taking in treatments such as suppositories or enemas. Anal sex is common among men and women in our society. It is therefore necessary to take care of your anus, especially if it is involved with sexual activity. Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV can be transmitted through anal sex, and anal cancer can occur in both men and women. The greatest misconception, though, is probably overcoming our fear of openly talking about the anus and about what we need to do to have good anal health. It is also important to have a health care provider who can provide care for your total health and with whom you can talk freely about anal health issues such as having receptive anal sex, using toys, fisting, drug use, STDs and HIV status.

3. Is examining someone’s butt as embarrassing for you as it is for us?
Performing an anal exam should not be embarrassing because it is a part of a comprehensive examination, and it is done routinely. Remember, everyone has an anus.

Thousands of lives could be saved by new anal cancer test

A new test that will detect the early signs of a cancer that is prevalent among gay men has been devised.

The incidence of anal cancer is estimated as 37 per 100,000 in gay men. For gay men who are HIV-positive, the incidence is about twice as great – around 75 per 100,000.

Read the rest on PinkNews.co.uk

Q: What are the symptoms of HPV/Genital Warts?

*Note: With many sexually transmitted infections, there may be no symptoms or symptoms may be missed or mistaken for other issues. The best way to know if you have a sexually transmitted infection is to be tested regularly or to go to a medical provider immediately if there is any change in your normal body conditions.

A: Symptoms of HPV/Genital Warts
There are many different types of HPV. Most are physically harmless - especially the ones which cause the external warts you can see. There are a few types, classified as high risk, which can cause changes in the cells of the cervix (opening to the uterus), the cells of the anus, and the cells of the penis and could lead to cancer. For this reason, it is recommended that all women should have a pap smear test every year. Federal health officials are currently considering recommending yearly anal pap smears for sexually active gay and bisexual men.

Not everyone who has HPV will have visible warts. Warts may appear as cauliflower-shaped growths or may be flat and only slightly raised from the skin. They may be single or multiple, small or large. They tend to be flesh-colored or whitish in appearance. Warts usually do not cause itching or burning. A general practitioner or dermatologist can diagnose HPV if there are warts present.

Sometimes genital warts are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. This is sometimes called "subclinical HPV." This means that a person may not even know he or she has the type or types of HPV that cause genital warts.

Check out the HPV and Men factsheet from the CDC.

Thanks to Howard Brown Health Center for providing this information.

------------------------------

AFC Hosts Forum on HPV and Men

HIV/HPV: Men Get It Too!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
University Center, Lake Room
525 S. State Street, Chicago, Illinois

The development of a new Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has given women and girls a powerful new tool to prevent HPV-related diseases, such as cervical cancer. But what about men?

An estimated 60% of men ages 18 to 70 are infected with HPV but few are aware of the potential health consequences infection may cause. These consequences are further complicated when individuals are co-infected with HIV.

Join us to explore these quesions and more at this FREE forum designed to help service providers and community advocates raise public awareness and action about these related epidemics as well as the systems in place to assist affected individuals.

Featured Presenters:
Dr. Thomas Broker,
University of Alabama, Birmingham

Dr. Anna Guiliano,
Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida

Dr. Frank Palella,
Division of Infectious Disease, Northwestern University

Registration is FREE, but required.
To register, click HERE.
Questions? Contact Cynthia Tucker at ctucker@aidschicago.org or (312) 334-0914.