What is the link between HIV and anal cancer?

Studies show HIV can raise the risk of several forms of cancer, including anal cancer, because of its effects on the immune system. It also increases the risk of contracting human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most anal cancer cases.

What are the symptoms of anal cancer?

Subtle symptoms can include dabs of blood on toilet paper after a bowel movement and lingering abdominal pain. Bloating and intense abdominal pain are also noted.

What treatment did Daniel Garza undergo for anal cancer?

Garza underwent 38 rounds of radiation, weekly chemotherapy, and 40 rounds of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He now uses an ostomy bag due to damage from treatment.

Home / Health / Actor's Hidden Cancer Battle: HIV Link Revealed

Actor's Hidden Cancer Battle: HIV Link Revealed

28 Jan

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Summary

Actor Daniel Garza battled anal cancer after HIV diagnosis.
HIV significantly raises risk of anal cancer and HPV infection.
Garza became an advocate for both HIV and anal cancer awareness.

Actor's Hidden Cancer Battle: HIV Link Revealed

Actor Daniel Garza, diagnosed with HIV in 2000, learned in May 2015 that he had stage two anal squamous cell carcinoma. Despite his decade-long advocacy for HIV prevention, he was unaware that HIV significantly elevates the risk of developing anal cancer, often caused by HPV.

Garza first noticed subtle symptoms like blood on toilet paper and abdominal pain in spring 2014, which progressed to severe bloating and pain. After hernia surgery in 2014, doctors discovered a mass, leading to his cancer diagnosis.

His treatment involved radiation, chemotherapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which, while effective, caused him to lose part of his anal sphincter. He now uses an ostomy bag and continues to advocate for HIV and anal cancer awareness.