Rates of Certain Cancers Are Climbing Among HIVers

Rates of several cancers that are not linked with HIV disease progression appear to be rising among HIV-positive Americans, researchers reported in the August 15 online edition of the journal Cancer. A review of the medical records of more than 4,100 HIVers has shown that cancers of the skin, prostate, and anus as well as Hodgkin's lymphoma are much more common in HIV patients than in the general population. HIVers most at risk for the non'AIDS-defining cancers were older and had been infected with HIV longer than nonrisk ones or had a previous AIDS-related opportunistic infection. Caucasian HIVers were also at a higher risk for the cancers than other racial groups. 'Based on the findings of the current study, we recommend considering the placement of cancer surveillance programs within HIV clinics,' the researchers note. 'Screening for skin malignancies as well as prostate and anal carcinomas among HIV-infected patients appears to be the highest priority.'