Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of anal cancer screening among dermatologists

Summary: Dermatologists’ awareness and involvement in HPV-related cancer screening are crucial for early detection and improved outcomes in patients at a disproportionate risk of anal cancer. This study aimed to assess dermatologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding anal cancer screening. Members of the American Academy of Dermatology’s LGBTQ/SGM Expert Resource Group were surveyed on their perspectives, knowledge of anal cancer risk factors and screening guidelines, and current clinical practices. Seventeen respondents completed the survey (response rate 45%). The median respondent age was 43 (IQR 38-53), 76.5% self-identified as lesbian or gay, 82.4% were male, and 52.9% practiced in an academic institution. Most respondents correctly noted 90% of anal squamous cell carcinomas in the U.S. are attributable to HPV (88.2%), but only 41.2% correctly identified digital anal rectal exam plus anal cytology and/or HPV testing as the appropriate screening method for eligible populations. Most respondents agreed dermatologists should counsel (82.4%) and refer (76.5%) eligible patients for anal cancer screening, while 41.2% believed dermatologists should perform screenings themselves. In practice, most respondents reported counseling (64.7%) and referring eligible patients (70.6%), yet only 5.9% performed screenings. This study was limited by a modest response rate and non-representative sampling. These findings highlight gaps between dermatologists’ perceived role and actual practices in anal cancer screening, and knowledge deficits even among those with expertise in SGM health. Expanding dermatology-specific training on anal cancer risk assessment, counseling, and referral may enhance early detection efforts in patients at a disproportionate risk of anal cancer and lessen the increasing disease burden. Temi Adekunle¹, Jacob Tribble², Howa Yeung¹ 1. Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States. 2. Dermatology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States. Minoritized Populations and Health Disparities Research