The role of nurses in the prevention of anal cancer in HIV- infected men having sex with men - a focus on papillomavirus vaccination and anal cytology screening

Anal cancer is a common disease in men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV infection and is associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, which is very prevalent in this population. Advanced anal cancer has an aggressive treatment, with a high risk of producing an impaired quality of life. In cases of late diagnosis, mortality remains elevated. Based on these findings, it is a priority to carry out a systematic screening to detect earlier and prevent the disease. In this review and based in our experience at the Infectious Diseases outclinic at Hospital de la Santa Creu and Sant Pau in Barcelona, Spain, we propose a series of actions carried out by trained nurses. We recommend a coordinated set of multidisciplinary activities on HIV + MSM focused on HPV immunization and periodic anal cytology screening. A good implementation of the program will provide significant benefits, since at this time, the best care for anal cancer relies in HPV prevention and early diagnosis of HPV oncogenic lesions.