Tackling Stigma and Raising Awareness of Anal Cancer in Black Communities Living with HIV
Black News 
Tackling Stigma and Raising Awareness of Anal Cancer in Black Communities Living with HIV
The Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) has partnered with BHA for Equality to launch a new anal cancer awareness campaign to support Black communities living with HIV. The campaign aims to increase understanding of symptoms and risks, and to empower people to seek help early.
Thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART), 98% of people living with HIV in the UK who are on treatment are living to a normal life expectancy. As people are living longer, it is increasingly important to manage health and wellbeing outside of HIV. For example, cancers are now the leading cause of death among people living with HIV, but many in the community are unaware of their risks, key symptoms, and how to manage these.
Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer, but for people living with HIV the risk is 19 times higher than average. People from Black communities living with HIV are often disproportionately affected by anal cancer, carrying a greater risk of later-stage diagnosis and facing structural healthcare barriers which impact outcomes. This campaign looks to address these challenges.
We are increasing awareness of symptoms, breaking down cultural barriers that make conversations about anal health difficult, and promoting early detection through the ‘Break the Taboo: HIV & Anal Health’ podcast. Featuring community advocates Jide Macaulay and Dr Olu Obadina, the podcast is a frank and open conversation on lived experience of being Black and living with HIV. It explores community stigma and barrier to access, anal cancer’s symptoms and causes, and finally practical guidance on how to seek support.
Aydin Djemal, CEO at BHA for Equality, said “Black communities living with HIV deserve health campaigns that truly speak to their experiences. This partnership tackles the real barriers that prevent people from seeking help, such as stigma, cultural sensitivities, and a lack of trusted information. Early detection saves lives, and we're proud to be creating the conditions where that's possible.”
Through this campaign, Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance and BHA for Equality aim to provide a safe and trusted way for Black communities to feel educated and empowered to check for symptoms and bring these to a trusted Doctor, leading to earlier detection and better outcomes.
This campaign aligns closely to the recent updates in the national HIV Action Plan for England who also highlight the health inequalities faced by Black communities in HIV care. The Action Plan recognises ongoing barriers to engagement, stigma, and poorer outcomes, making tailored awareness campaigns like this one essential so communities at higher risk receive equitable support.
Jon Hayes, Managing Director of Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, said “Our campaign is focused on groups of people who are at greater risk of anal cancer compared to the general population. Anal cancer is a treatable disease but outcomes for patients are potentially much better if that treatment begins early.”
The campaign will be launched in December 2025 and will involve community organisations and healthcare partners across North West England. The podcast episode and related resources will be available to the public via the CMCA website and BHA for Equality website.
For more information about the campaign or access to resources, please contact:
Serena Rianjongdee, Account Director at Intent Health
About Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the anus. In the UK, around 1,500 people are diagnosed each year. The anus connects your bowel to the outside of your body (the bottom). Anal cancer can start in any part of the anus. Around 90% of anal cancer cases are linked to HPV infection. For people living with HIV, the virus can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to clear the HPV infection, and therefore increasing the risk.
A lot of anal symptoms turn out to be caused by minor conditions, like haemorrhoids or infections, or might be caused by irritation from sex. But it is important to get checked out if you notice:
- Unusual bleeding from your bum.
- A new lump or bump in that area.
- Pain, itching or discomfort that doesn’t go away.
About Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance
Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance leads cancer performance, quality and outcomes across the region, delivering the NHS Long Term Plan, improving patient experience and overseeing cancer waiting time standards. We work to achieve better cancer services, care and outcomes through early detection, early diagnosis and improved support. Our ambition is increased five-year survival and 75% early-stage diagnosis. To learn more, visit cmcanceralliance.nhs.uk.
About BHA for Equality
BHA For Equality was founded in 1990 to address the lack of quality information and services for Black communities in Manchester. Today, we run health services across the North of England to support those who are disadvantaged by healthcare systems, and advocate for equitable healthcare for marginalized communities. To learn more, visitthebha.org.uk.
