Free Republic

Anal cancer, like cervical cancer, is usually caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is among the most common sexually transmitted infections, and most people acquire one or more strains of the virus not long after they become sexually active. Previous research has shown that people with HIV have more types of cancer-causing HPV and are less likely to naturally clear the virus. What’s more, they tend to experience more rapid progression from low-grade cell changes to precancerous dysplasia (known as high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, or HSIL) to invasive cancer. Even people on effective antiretroviral therapy with an undetectable viral load...

New cases and deaths from anal cancer rose dramatically in the United States in recent years, according to a new study. With an increase of nearly 3% per year, anal cancer is one of the most rapidly rising causes of cancer incidence and mortality. But more widespread screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination could reverse this trend. “It is concerning that over 75% of U.S. adults do not know that HPV causes this preventable cancer,” lead author Ashish Deshmukh, PhD, MPH, of the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, said in a press release. “Educational campaigns are needed...

Almost 620,000 gay and bisexual men in the United States were living with HIV in 2014, and 100,000 of these men were not even aware of their infection. These men are 100 times more likely to have anal cancer than HIV-negative men who exclusively have sex with women. Yet, no national screening guidelines exist for anal cancer prevention in any population. Anal cancer is predominantly caused by chronic or persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV infection can lead to the development of anal precancer which, if remains undetected or not adequately treated, may lead to anal cancer. Likewise, HPV infection...

Jason Langlois and Will Bladh are in the early stages of making plans for their summer 2017 wedding, and they don’t want their excitement pierced by the pain of being rejected by a venue, florist and photographer who have a legal right in Utah to refuse to serve a gay couple. That’s why they joined several hundred people Sunday at a gay and lesbian wedding expo in Salt Lake City aimed at connecting couples with businesses who want to make it known they’re open to doing same-sex weddings. […] Utah is one of 29 states where it is legal for...

(Reuters Health) - The number of people in the U.S. with anal cancer has tripled since the 1970s, according to a new study that suggests rates of detection in high-risk groups may partly explain the rise in cases.

After introducing its first openly gay character in September 2010, Archie Comics continues to lead the pack with the mainstream comic book world’s first same-sex marriage. Kevin Keller will marry his military sweetheart, Clay, in an upcoming issue of Life with Archie. The character is also set to star in a pioneering solo title starting this February. An interracial same-sex marriage between two soldiers in an Archie comic? The times are no longer a-changin’, they are a-changed.

Washington (CNN) - Steve Schmidt, a key architect of John McCain's presidential campaign, is making his first public return to Washington a bold one. Schmidt will use a speech Friday to Log Cabin Republicans, a gay rights group, to urge conservative Republicans to drop their opposition to same-sex marriage, CNN has learned. "There is a sound conservative argument to be made for same-sex marriage," Schmidt will say, according to speech excerpts obtained by CNN. "I believe conservatives, more than liberals, insist that rights come with responsibilities. No other exercise of one's liberty comes with greater responsibilities than marriage."

Here across the northeast tip of the United States, where we pride ourselves in like-it-or-stick-it Yankee independence, individuals are toiling to extend marriage equality to the homosexual community. This week, somewhat shockingly, they achieved success in Vermont. Now we will see if Maine and New Hampshire can squash the serpent of fear as well. If I hadn't already chosen a side in this debate, the comments I've heard in recent weeks from opponents of the three bills would have been enough to make me an entrenched defender of the proposals. When the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted last month...

New research has again shown the grave danger of homosexual sex acts to the human body. The grave health risks associated with such dangerous sexual behaviours is one of the prime reasons why society as a whole should oppose homosexual acts, doctors have told LifeSiteNews.com under condition of anonymity. A study which appears in the February issue of the International Journal of STD & AIDS, has found that "HIV-positive men who have sex with men are up to 90 times more likely than the general population to develop anal cancer." The study was based on data from 244 patients at...

TORONTO, February 14, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Homosexual activists have long sought to distance themselves from pedophiles, however Canada's most prominent homosexual activist group has now demanded the lowering the age of consent for anal sex to 16 from 18.  Surprisingly, Canada's National Post, regarded by some as a 'conservative' paper has come out in favour of the proposal.Reacting to the Conservative Government's plan to raise the age of consent for normal sex from 14 to 16, EGALE (Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere) has commenced a campaign to have the age of consent for anal sex lowered to 16 from 18. ...