Abstract A80: Cancer communication and prevention behaviors: HPV associated cancer prevention deficits among an MSM population in Tampa Bay
Authors: Wilson Lauren E. , Sanchez Julian A. , Schabath Matthew B. , Hudson Janella , Sutton Steven K. , Kanetskey Peter A. , Simmons Vani N. , Bowman Meghan , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Quinn Gwendolyn P. 
Published: March 2017

Background: The populations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) individuals are part of a medically underserved community that is gaining visibility in the US. LGBTQ populations are heterogeneous and have specific health needs based on gender identity, sexual behaviors, and other intersecting sociodemographic characteristics. LGBTQ individuals are at increased risk for certain cancers and require cancer education and screening and prevention information explicit to their often unmet and unrecognized needs. Human papillomavirus (HPV), an established human carcinogen, is highly prevalent in both men and women. However, men who have sex with men (MSM) have higher rates of oncogenic HPV infection, putting MSM at higher risk for anal cancer. The goals of this project were to identify i) MSM community perceptions of cancer risk education, screening and prevention, ii) their experiences and behaviors relating to HPV risk and HPV vaccination, and iii) experience with healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding HPV and MSM.

Methods: A 41-item survey was disseminated to 438 attendees at three community events: Moffitt Cancer Center Men's Health Forum and Florida PRIDE Parades in Tampa and St. Petersburg. The survey was comprised of 5 domains: demographics, sexual orientation and sexual history, HPV knowledge and screening and prevention, smoking behaviors, and general healthcare experiences including perceptions of physician knowledge, attitudes, and competency. Summary responses are reported for respondents who self-identified as MSM for the HPV knowledge and screening and prevention portion.

Results: Of the 438 participants who completed the survey, 79% (N=344) identified as belonging to the LGBTQ population and 42% identified as MSM. Among the MSM population, 84% had some knowledge of or had heard of HPV. Forty-three percent of MSMs were clinically eligible for the HPV vaccine; however, only 24% had discussed the HPV vaccine with their healthcare provider. Among the 43% of MSM who were clinically eligible to receive the vaccine, nearly 1 in 4 (26%) completed the 3-dose series. 11% reported having received only one dose. Intention to get vaccinated in the future was low (9%).

Conclusion: These results indicate the HPV cancer risk education and screening and prevention needs for MSM are sub-optimal. Experiences and perceptions of MSM individuals revealed a lack of provider information regarding HPV specific cancer risk factors and preventative measures which may be attributed to healthcare providers' lack of awareness regarding the health risks and prevalence of risk factors among MSM. A need for additional training regarding the MSM population is indicated. These results highlight the need for curriculum to improve cultural relevance for health care professionals.

Citation Format: Lauren E. Wilson, Julian A. Sanchez, Matthew B. Schabath, Janella Hudson, Steven K. Sutton, Peter A. Kanetskey, Vani N. Simmons, Meghan Bowman, Susan T. Vadaparampil, Gwendolyn P. Quinn. Cancer communication and prevention behaviors: HPV associated cancer prevention deficits among an MSM population in Tampa Bay. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A80.