Anal Cancer Squamous Cell

This project will test ways to reduce stigma in healthcare settings so that more providers offer, and more patients receive, important anal sex-related HIV services, including anorectal sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, preventive medications, and cancer screening. By evaluating these stigma-reduction strategies in eight clinics in the Mississippi Delta, a region with high rates of HIV and STIs, the research team will learn whether and how these approaches work to improve access to care. The results will help guide healthcare systems in using the most effective methods to reduce stigma, making it easier for people to get prevention services and improving public health.

Dosimetric studies suggest that radiotherapy with protons has a potential to reduce side effects compared to treatment with photons for patients with anal carcinoma (AC). There are so far no studies comparing these treatment techniques in a randomised setting. The aim of this study is to compare side effects following photon therapy versus proton therapy within the framework of a randomised controlled trial.