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COMMENT AND RESPONSE

Time for a strategic research response to anal cancer

Andrew E. Grulich A F , Richard Hillman A B , Julia M. L. Brotherton C D and Christopher K. Fairley D E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.

B Centre of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology-Sexual Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

C Victorian Cytology Service, East Melbourne, Vic. 3002, Australia.

D School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.

E Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.

F Corresponding author. Email: agrulich@kirby.unsw.edu.au

Sexual Health 9(6) 628-631 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH12116
Submitted: 23 July 2012  Accepted: 30 October 2012   Published: 27 November 2012

Abstract

Anal cancer was until recently regarded as a rare cancer of little consequence. The articles in this special edition of Sexual Health clearly demonstrate that anal cancer is increasing in incidence and, in some populations, it has become an urgent public health priority. In this summary paper, we will review the data presented in this issue and elsewhere on the magnitude of the issue, the means of prevention and treatment, and suggest a way forward.

Additional keywords: human papillomavirus, incidence, prevalence, prevention, screening, treatment.


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