Sunday, July 19, 2009

National LGBT Cancer Network Seeks Survey Participants

The National LGBT Cancer Network wants to do something about the increasing prevalence of anal cancer in our community.

First, we need to find out what people know about anal cancer. We are asking gay and bisexual men to complete a brief (5-minute) anonymous online survey to assess their knowledge of anal cancer. We are particularly interested in hearing from men of color and hope that you will publicize this request through your blog, listserves, websites and mailing lists. The more respondents we have, the more we learn.

In the general population, anal cancer is a rare disease, but among men who have sex with men (MSM), the incidence of anal cancer is 40% higher and increasing annually. However, the majority of gay men know little about the disease, have never been tested for it, or even know that screening tests exist. Health care professionals, too, remain divided on how and whether to screen for it. In fact, a standardized screening protocol for anal cancer does not yet exist.
To participate in the survey, click here.

To learn more about cancer in the LGBT community and the work of the National LGBT Cancer Network, please visit our website, www.cancer-network.org

1 comment:

ProstateCancer said...

Gay Men diagnosed with anal cancer are helped with support groups and advocacy by our country's gay men's cancer national nonprofit, Malecare and by our country's leading LGBT cancer survivor support and advocacy nonprofit, Out With Cancer. Out With Cancer has several relevant websites for gay/bi men presenting with anal cancer. The LGBT Cancer Project website at http://www.lgbtcancer.com is a trusted resource for our community. The Out With Cancer survivor online support group for anal cancer (and, all other cancers) can be found at http://www.outwithcancer.com .
Malecare has been providing support for gay men diagnosed with anal cancer since 1999, and for many other cancers, such as prostate and testicular, since 1998. More information from Malecare can be had with an email to info@malecare.com .
It's important to note that we have little information beyond some statistics around anal cancer and gay men....so no need to panic. When in doubt, ask your doctor. Indeed, don't wait for survey's and nonprofits to act. You...ask your doctor today. Just to be safe, for your self and those who love and care about you.
Darryl Mitteldorf, LCSW
Director
Malecare