HPV caused my anal cancer—but here’s what I didn’t know
Editor’s Note: March 4 is International HPV Awareness Day.
In 2017, I was a professional living in NYC. I lived a largely carefree life with great friends, international travel and enriching cultural experiences. But in life there are some moments that surprise you, shake you and change your trajectory. I had one of those moments that year and it ignited a fire within.
It didn’t start out that way—I was just dealing with what I thought was a minor medical issue. I thought I had a hemorrhoid, but it stuck around for too long. I felt itchy and there was bleeding. While not a lot of blood, it was daily and consistent, so I made an appointment with my gynecologist. My papillomavirus humain (HPV) test was negative. She gave me a digital rectal exam and said I was fine. But my gut—that inner voice I trusted—told me I was pas fine.
I immediately sought a second opinion from my gastroenterologist. He looked with the anoscope (a device used to examine the anal canal and lower rectum) and then conducted a sigmoidoscopy. Ten days later, the biopsy results confirmed I had Stage 2 anal cancer. My response reflected my personality: “I don’t have time for this cancer. Let’s take care of this. Let’s get it done.”
We identified the rigorous treatment program of chemoradiation therapy, and I was fortunate to have a huge support team of friends that were with me every step of the way. I have been told that my determination, positive attitude and relentless spirit got me through the ordeal with my critical organs (and sense of humor!) intact. I don’t take it lightly that I was luckier than most. My cancer was found relatively early. I have come to learn that so many anal cancer survivors are told they have a hemorrhoid even after they went for a second opinion (or a third or fourth). Anal cancer, like some other HPV-related cancers, is often misdiagnosed or missed until the cancer is in advanced stages.
Additionally, many anal cancer patients don’t know they have a strain of high-risk HPV, the forms of HPV that can cause at least six different types of cancer: Cervical, oropharyngeal (head and neck), anal, penile, vulvar and vaginal cancers. Personally, I knew I had HPV. I had reached adulthood before the vaccine (now recommended for kids ages 9-12) came out, and I tested positive through co-testing with a Pap test and HPV test many years earlier. What I did not know is that there are many strains of HPV, and high-risk HPV strains do not cause genital warts or any other symptoms. They are virtually invisible until they begin to evolve.
I also did not know 80% of sexually active people will contract HPV during their lifetimes and that it won’t fully clear in some of those individuals. Instead, it goes dormant and can come back decades later and progresses to cancer. If you’ve had a high-risk strain of HPV in the past, talk to your health provider about your options—they may recommend you get screened more often.
Seven years after my fight with HPV-related cancer, I have No Evidence of Disease (NED) and I’m thriving.
In 2020, I founded the HPV Cancers Alliance (HPVCA) alongside my friend and fellow anal cancer survivor, actress Marcia Cross. Together, we raise awareness about HPV and all six cancers it causes. HPV Cancers Alliance holds educational webinars, shares resources, provides patient support and runs information campaigns designed to destigmatize HPV, promote prevention through vaccination and screening, and educate the public. We are completely dedicated to spreading knowledge to save lives.
I wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t trusted my instincts and questioned my doctor’s diagnosis, who overlooked my cancer. Marcia Cross wouldn’t be here today if her gynecologist hadn’t been as thorough and attentive as she was.
Although HPV impacts nearly everyone, no one should die from this preventable virus. We must spread the word because many people don’t know that HPV can cause six cancers. Together, we can dismantle the stigma and end the crisis of HPV-related cancers. It’s time to turn awareness into impact and save lives, today.
To learn more about HPV, HPV-related cancers and the HPV Cancers Alliance, please visit https://hpvca.org.