Complexities related to HIV: Classifications, signs, and maintaining wellness
People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) face an elevated risk of developing certain types of cancer, according to recent studies. These cancers can be broadly categorized as AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs) and non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs).
**AIDS-Defining Cancers (ADCs)** are directly linked to the advanced immunosuppression caused by HIV infection. The most common ADCs include Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS), and cervical cancer, particularly in women. NHL is a leading cause of death among people living with HIV (PLWH) and includes aggressive subtypes such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and primary cerebral lymphoma. KS, traditionally considered the hallmark AIDS-defining malignancy, is strongly associated with infection by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8).
**Non-AIDS-Defining Cancers (NADCs)** are malignancies that are not specifically included among AIDS-defining conditions but are more common in PLWH than in the general population. The most prominent NADCs include Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), anal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, vulvar cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. HL incidence is markedly increased in PLWH compared to the general population, while anal cancer is strongly associated with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Lung cancer, liver cancer, and other cancers often occur due to smoking, co-infections, or advanced age in the growing population of people with HIV.
Several key risk factors contribute to the increased cancer risk among PLWH. Oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), and HPV are major contributors to lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and genital cancers, respectively. Advanced HIV disease with low CD4 counts substantially increases cancer risk, and co-infections like hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) increase the risk for liver cancer, while HPV increases the risk for cervical, anal, and vulvar cancers.
Recent studies show that while the incidence of ADCs has declined due to effective HIV treatment, the burden of NADCs remains significant, especially as people with HIV age. To combat this, healthcare providers recommend that everybody with HIV begin antiretroviral medications as soon as possible to prevent the virus from progressing to AIDS. With effective treatment, people with HIV can enjoy a lifespan similar to that of the general population.
In conclusion, people living with HIV face an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. Awareness of these risks and early detection through regular screenings and check-ups are crucial for effective management and treatment. With modern treatments, the outlook for those with HIV has improved drastically over the last few decades, with both symptoms and complications from developing.
- People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) also face an increased risk of developing non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs), such as Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), anal cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer.
- Sexual health is an important aspect of overall health and wellness for people living with HIV, as persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can lead to anal and cervical cancers.
- Modern medical-conditions research has linked several key risk factors for cancer among people living with HIV (PLWH), including oncogenic viruses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), and HPV, co-infections like hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), and advanced HIV disease with low CD4 counts.
- Mental health is equally important for people living with HIV, as effective treatment and early detection of certain types of cancer can significantly improve their health, well-being, and lifespan.
