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Cancer research

Anal Cancer Screening Practices in the US: A Growing Concern Amidst COVID-19

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research suggests that while new guidelines recommend anal cancer screening for high-risk populations, little is known about pre-guideline screening practices in the US. A study conducted by investigators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center aimed to fill this knowledge gap. The study analyzed outpatient clinical encounters between 2015 and 2022, focusing on provider characteristics and screening behaviors in an urban medical system in Boston.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that only 48.5% of 1098 providers completed at least one anal cancer screening between 2015 and 2022.
  • Infectious disease (ID) providers were more likely to conduct screenings, with 93.8% of ID providers completing at least one screening, compared to 54.6% of primary care providers (PCPs) and 28.3% of obstetrician/gynecologists (OBGYNs).
  • The study identified a need for strategies to optimize anal cancer screening practices, particularly for patients who are HIV-negative, non-white, and cisgender women.
  • The researchers noted that anal cancer screening practices improved after the release of new guidelines in 2022, but more work is needed to ensure equitable care.

Statistics:

  • 1098 providers were analyzed in the study, with 48.5% completing at least one anal cancer screening.
  • 93.8% of infectious disease (ID) providers completed at least one screening, compared to 54.6% of primary care providers (PCPs) and 28.3% of obstetrician/gynecologists (OBGYNs).
  • The study identified a need for strategies to optimize anal cancer screening practices, particularly for patients who are HIV-negative, non-white, and cisgender women.
  • The researchers noted a significant increase in anal cancer screening after the release of new guidelines (p-value not specified).

Sources:

  • International Journal of STD & AIDS, 2025
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  • American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association (ASTDA)
  • Harvard University Center for AIDS Research
  • NewsRx. New HIV/AIDS Findings from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Described (Health Care Provider Characteristics Associated With Anal Cancer Screening In an Urban Academic Medical System In the United States). AIDS Weekly. September 22, 2025; p 69.

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