Facebook Pixel

Immune Systems of AIDS Patients More Prone to HPV Cancers

By
 
Rate This

July 31 -- As their immune system weakens, people with AIDS are at increased risk for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers, a new study has found.

It was known that people with AIDS had a greater risk for HPV-associated cancers of the anus, cervix, penis, vagina, vulva and oropharynx. However, the extent to which AIDS-related weakening of the immune system played a role wasn't clear, the researchers pointed out.

For this study, researchers at the U.S. National Cancer Institute analyzed cancer registry data on almost 500,000 people diagnosed with AIDS between 1980 and 2004. They found that people with AIDS had a statistically significant higher risk for all HPV-related cancers.

"Given that individuals currently infected with HIV may obtain little benefit from available HPV vaccines…our results underscore the need for effective screening for cervical cancer and anal cancer among persons with HIV infections or AIDS," the researchers wrote.

The study was published online July 31 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

While it does offer new evidence of the link between HIV/AIDS and HPV-related cancer, the study doesn't actually prove a biological connection, Dr. Howard D. Strickler, of the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, wrote in an accompanying editorial.

More information:

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about HPV and cancer.

Link to article: http://www.nccc-online.org/view_article.php?news_id=1290

Add a Comment2 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

The new vaccine against the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV) may have the happy side effect of reducing the number of preterm births by an estimated 60 percent among those women surgically treated to rectify HPV tissue damage to their cervixes, a recent study calculated.To know more about it visit,
http://www.empowereddoctor.com/hpv-vaccine-may-reduce-premature-births

August 5, 2009 - 12:02am

This Comment

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi,
Great post.It is distinct that Human Papillomavirus( HPV) plays a major role in bringing up the risk of cancer.It is found in about 99% of cervical cancers says surveys.To know more about cervical cancer and HPV effects in a detail and easy way,visit the following link.
http://www.healthtourismnews.com/2009/01/30/cervical-cancer-faq/#more-37
Thanks for the great information.

August 4, 2009 - 11:52pm

This Comment

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

AIDS / HIV

Get Email Updates

AIDS / HIV Guide

Rosa Cabrera RN
Empowered

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!