Anal cancer occurs more commonly in women than men and, as it is most common in those aged 55-64 years, will not be reduced by the HPV vaccination program for several decades. In the meantime, early detection of cancers and identification of precursor lesions, based on similarities between anal and cervical SCC, are likely to follow the traditional cervical screening paradigm. This presentation will look at how the cervical triad of cytology, colposcopy and biopsy may be adapted to the screening and diagnosis of anal HPV-related conditions. Case presentations will highlight the similarities and also important differences between the cervical and anal approaches.  

Gynaecologists performing colposcopies and caring for women with HPV-related genital disease are ideally placed to utilise their expertise to combat anal cancer in their patients and in other high-risk populations.