HRA Screening Is Most Cost-Effective for HIV-Positive Men

In late 2010, results from a Canadian study showed that using HRA, or high resolution anoscopy, is the most cost-effective way to screen for anal cancer. With HRA, a doctor uses a small camera called an anoscope to look at and take a tissue sample from the anus to later screen for cancerous cells.

HIV-positive people in general have higher rates of abnormal cells of the anus (called dysplasia) and anal cancer than HIV-negative people. This is due to infection with HPV, or the human papillomavirus. As well, HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) have much higher rates of anal cancer ... up to 160 times higher. Although standard procedures are not in place for screening anal dysplasia and cancer, many experts believe yearly screening is wise in HIV-positive MSM, and perhaps all people living with HIV.