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PURPOSE Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) incidence and mortality rates are rising in the United States. Understanding state-level incidence and mortality patterns and associations with smoking and AIDS prevalence (key risk factors) could help unravel disparities and provide etiologic clues. METHODS Using the US Cancer Statistics and the National Center for Health Statistics data sets, we estimated state-level SCCA incidence and mortality rates. Rate ratios (RRs) were calculated to compare incidence and mortality in 2014-2018 versus 2001-2005. The correlations between SCCA incidence with current smoking (from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) and AIDS (from the HIV Surveillance system) prevalence were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS Nationally, SCCA incidence and mortality rates (per 100,000) increased among men (incidence, 2.29-3.36, mortality, 0.46-0.74) and women (incidence, 3.88-6.30, mortality, 0.65-1.02) age ≥ 50 years, but decreased among men age < 50 years and were stable among similar-aged women. In state-level analysis, a marked increase in incidence (≥ 1.5-fold for men and ≥ two-fold for women) and mortality (≥ two-fold) for persons age ≥ 50 years was largely concentrated in the Midwestern and Southeastern states. State-level SCCA incidence rates in recent years (2014-2018) among men were correlated ( r = 0.47, P < .001) with state-level AIDS prevalence patterns. For women, a correlation was observed between state-level SCCA incidence rates and smoking prevalence ( r = 0.49, P < .001). CONCLUSION During 2001-2005 to 2014-2018, SCCA incidence and mortality nearly doubled among men and women age ≥ 50 years living in Midwest and Southeast. State variation in AIDS and smoking patterns may explain variation in SCCA incidence. Improved and targeted prevention is needed to combat the rise in SCCA incidence and mitigate magnifying geographic disparities. [Media: see text]

Introduction: Anal cancer (AC) risk is greatly elevated among persons living with HIV (PLWH), particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). The incidence of anal cancer among PLWH in Puerto Rico is 60.5 per 100,000 in MSM. Smoking and sexual behaviors may enhance anal cancer risk among PLWH. Therefore, we describe the prevalence of risk factors for AC, overall and by sexual risk group (MSM, women, and men who have sex with women [MSW]). We also evaluated receipt of cancer preventive strategies: HPV vaccination and AC screening, among a sample of PLWH in Puerto Rico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (Sept 2020 - Dec 2021) among PLWH ≥26 aged in Puerto Rico (n=212). Participants answered a phone interview that collected information on relevant characteristics. AC risk factors evaluated were current smoking, age of sexual initiation (≤15 years), lifetime anal sex, 10 or more lifetime sexual partners, history of AIDS, genital warts, and HPV infection. HPV vaccination and AC screening status were also evaluated. The overall and sexual risk group specific prevalence of AC risk factors and preventive behaviors were described. In addition, the prevalence ratio (PR) of the variables of interest, comparing the sexual risk groups, was estimated with 95% confidence intervals using Poisson regression. Results: Mean age of participants was 52.8 ± (SD=10.2); 44.1% were MSM, 23.2% were MSW, and 32.7% were women. Most PLWH had public health insurance (84.4%), an education level of high-school or less (45.7%), and 9.5% had a history of intravenous drug use. Regarding the prevalence of AC risk factors, 58.3% had 10 or more lifetime sex partners, 51% had their first sexual relationship at age ≤15 years, 29.3% were current smokers, and 75.8% of women had history of anal sex. In addition, 20.8% reported being diagnosed with AIDS, 16.5% had a history of genital warts, and 12.0% had HPV infection. Only 7.5% reported HPV vaccination and 52.2% reported ever having had an anal pap test. MSM had the highest prevalence of risky sexual behaviors, although no statistical difference was seen in the PRs. For preventive strategies, women (PR: 3.13, 95% CI 1.52-6.46) and MSM (PR: 3.42, 95% CI 1.70-6.90) had higher prevalence of anal pap uptake than MSW. Conclusion: Persons living with HIV in Puerto Rico had high prevalence of current smoking use and risky sexual behavior. Despite their increased risk of AC, and only over half had been screened for AC. Continued education and awareness about AC risk factors, smoking cessation, and importance of prevention strategies are important among PLWH. Citation Format: Sandra I. Garcia-Camacho, Jeslie M. Ramos-Cartagena, Marievelisse Soto-Salgado, Vivian Colon-Lopez, Karen J. Ortiz-Ortiz, Ashish A. Deshmukh, Ana P. Ortiz. Anal cancer risk factors and utilization of cancer preventive strategies in people living with HIV in Puerto Rico. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4179.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the validity of anal cytology against high-resolution anoscopy in the detection of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) among women in a clinical setting in Puerto Rico, alone and in combination with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) typing. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was done among 128 eligible women who attended the Anal Neoplasia Clinic of the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Center between 2014 and 2019. Kappa (κ) coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated using high-resolution anoscopy with biopsy as the criterion standard test. Poisson regression was used to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratio of anal HR-HPV infection. RESULTS Overall, 71.1% of women were HIV infected and 78.9% had anal HR-HPV infection. Squamous intraepithelial lesions were detected with anal cytology and histology in 70.3% and 81.3% of women, respectively. The κ statistic between the tests (cytology and histology) was 0.32 (p < .05). Measured against the results from histology, the sensitivity of anal cytology alone to detect HSIL was 85.4% (95% CI = 72.2%-93.9%), whereas specificity was 38.8% (95% CI = 28.1%-50.3%). Although the sensitivity of the 2 tests combined (anal cytology and HR-HPV typing) to detect histologically confirmed HSIL increased (100.0%, 95% CI = 92.6%-100.0%), the specificity decreased (16.3%, 95% CI = 9.0%-26.2%). Meanwhile, women with HSIL had a higher prevalence of anal HR-HPV infection than those with no SIL/LSIL (prevalence ratio = 6.23, 95% CI = 1.50-25.83). CONCLUSIONS Anal cytology in combination with HR-HPV typing for the screening of anal intraepithelial neoplasia improved the detection of HSIL in women.

Objective Obese women have higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality than their counterparts, possibly related to nonadherence to screening recommendations. We assessed the association of body mass index with adherence to cervical cancer screening recommendations in Hispanic women living in Puerto Rico, a minority population with the highest incidence of cervical cancer in the United States. Materials and methods We included 536 Hispanic women aged 21 to 64 years enrolled in a population-based study of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Demographic and clinical characteristics and risky behaviors were collected using structured interviews. Weight and height were measured to classify body mass index as underweight, normal, overweight, and obesity (class I, class II, class III). Adherence to cervical cancer screening recommendations was self-reported. Logistic regression models were fit to estimate the odds ratio with 95% CI after adjusting for covariates. Results Nearly one third (29.7%) of women were overweight and 43.5% were obese (class I: 22.6%, class II: 11.0%, class III: 9.9%). Overall adherence to cervical cancer screening within the past 3 years was 78.5%, being lowest among women with class III obesity (60.4%). After multivariable adjustment, only women with class III obesity had significantly higher odds (odds ratio = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2-5.1) of reporting nonadherence to cervical cancer screening compared with normal weight women. Conclusions Adherence to cervical cancer screening in this population was below the Healthy People 2020 target of 93%, especially for women with morbid obesity. These findings highlight the importance of adequate interventions to decrease cervical cancer screening disparities in these women.

This cohort study examines rates of cervical cancer screening in Puerto Rico among women with Medicaid health coverage following the 2017 hurricanes, earthquakes in late 2019-2020, and the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Research suggests that periodontal tissue might serve as a reservoir for oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, while another hypothesis is that chronic inflammation of the tissue might perpetuate an infection with oral HPV infection. In this narrative review, we summarize the evidence related to a potential association between oral HPV infection and periodontitis. RECENT FINDINGS: Twelve articles were identified, and their key findings summarized. Studies vary in sample size, study population, study design, and methods for assessment of oral HPV and periodontitis. Although results are conflicting and still inconclusive, various studies have found an association between oral HPV infection and periodontitis, which is supported by biological plausibility. SUMMARY: Future longitudinal studies should further evaluate this association, using clinical definitions of oral HPV infection and periodontitis, and focusing on high-risk populations for oral HPV infection. Studying this association is important since periodontitis might help identify at-risk individuals for oral HPV infection and potentially HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers

OBJECTIVE: Anal cancer screening has been recommended for women with lower genital tract neoplasia (LGTN), lupus, Crohn’s disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or organ transplantation recipients. This study described and compared knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to anal cancer and anal cancer screening between women at high-risk for anal cancer and their counterparts. METHODS: This is a Cross-sectional study within colposcopy and gynecology oncology clinics in Puerto Rico; 283 women aged ≥21 years or older and with prior diagnosis of gynecological neoplasia completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Women were categorized according to their medical history as being high-risk or non-high-risk for anal cancer. The high-risk group included women with history of lower genital tract neoplasia, lupus, Crohn’s disease, HIV and/or organ transplantation. RESULTS: Overall, 40.7% of the study population were at high-risk of developing anal cancer. History of anal cancer screening was low among high-risk and non-high-risk women (11.5 vs. 5.6%, p>0.05). Less than 1% of all women reported to have had a high-resolution anoscopy. Most women (87.6%) had little knowledge about anal Pap: test but were willing to have one if their doctors recommended it (96.5%). No major differences in knowledge, attitudes or screening history were observed between high-risk and non-high-risk women. CONCLUSION: Although experts do not recommend routine anal cancer screening for the general population, they do recommend it for women within certain high-risk groups. Study findings highlight the importance of increasing education and awareness of anal cancer among high-risk patients and physicians, to promote better preventive methods, achieve early detection and improve disease outcomes.

PURPOSE Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is common among persons living with HIV (PLWH). We described SCCA incidence and survival among the general population and among PLWH in Puerto Rico (PR), along with mortality of anal cancer. METHODS PR HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program and the PR Central Cancer Registry databases were linked (2000-2016). Incidence rates (IRs) and trends (annual percent change [APC]) in SCCA and mortality rates and trends for anal cancer were estimated. Relative survival and relative excess risk (RER) of death were calculated. RESULTS From 2000 to 2016, 991 individuals in PR were diagnosed with anal cancer; 73% of cases were SCCA 9.1% of SCCA and 1.5% of non-SCCA cases were in PLWH ( P < .0001). SCCA incidence was higher among PLWH than the general population (IR = 27.7/100,000). Among PLWH, SCCA incidence (per 100,000) was the highest among men who have sex with men (IR = 60.5). From 2001-2016, SCCA incidence increased among the general population (APC: 4.90, P < .05); however, no significant change was observed among PLWH (APC = 0.19 and P = .96). The APC for anal cancer mortality in the general population was positive (3.9%) from 2000 to 2016, but not significant ( P > .05). The 5-year relative survival of SCCA was 56.9% among PLWH and 66.8% among the general population. In multivariate analysis, the RER of death for SCCA 5 years postdiagnosis was affected by stage at diagnosis (distant: RER = 7.6, 95% CI, 2.36 to 24.25) but not by PLWH status (RER = 1.4, 95% CI, 0.67 to 3.01). CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the relevance of anal cancer screening in PLWH and HPV vaccination in both PLWH and the general population in PR, which could have an impact on the disease trend in the next few decades.

Introduction: Anal cancer is increasing in the general population of Puerto Rico. Anal cytology is currently the standardized method for screening among populations at higher risk for developing anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), the precursor lesion of anal cancer. However, studies have shown that anal cytology alone underestimates the anal lesion grade compared to the gold standard test, high-resolution anoscopy (HRA). While studies with both anal histology and cytology confirmed results are limited, the validity of cytology as a screening test seems to improve with more extensive HSILs. We evaluated the validity of anal cytology in detecting HSIL overall and by anal HSIL extension in a clinic-based Hispanic population. Methods: Data from baseline visits and examination from October 2014 to April 2021 of the Anal Neoplasia Clinic at the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center were analyzed. Individuals who attended the clinic were eligible if they had completed anal cytology testing, HR-HPV typing, and HRA with biopsy. During the baseline visit basic demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were estimated by comparing anal cytology results with biopsy results from HRA, overall and by extent of histologically confirmed HSIL, defined as number of octants in the anal canal affected by HSIL (1 vs 2+). Results: Among 431 patients, 67.5% were male and the mean age was 43.57 +/- 13.27 years. Overall, 75.2% were living with HIV and 76.8% tested positive for HR-HPV. Persons diagnosed with any type of squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) via anal cytology and histology were 71.46% and 84.22%, respectively. In contrast, while anal HSIL was detected in only 2.09% of individuals through anal cytology, it was detected in 40.37% through biopsy-confirmed histology samples. The overall sensitivity of anal cytology compared to histology was 83.9% (95% CI: 77.6%-89%), whereas the specificity was 37% (95% CI: 31%-43.2%). Among persons with biopsy-confirmed HSIL, when comparing anal cytology to histology by HSIL extension (1 vs. 2+ octants affected) the sensitivity remained similar for both groups (83.7% vs. 84.1%), while specificity was the same with 37%. While the PPV decreased with HSIL extension (32.2% vs. 29.9%) and the NPV increased (86.4% vs. 88.0%), these indicators act as poor predictors of disease status in both groups. Conclusion: In this Hispanic population, anal cytology underestimates biopsy-confirmed HSIL and its performance in detected anal HSIL did not improve with HSIL extension. While future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further validate research findings, this study emphasizes the need to continue to optimize anal cancer screening methods in high-risk populations. Determining the best way to detect and treat cellular abnormalities will help prevent further disease progression and anal cancer development. AMC-NCI Grant #'s: UM1CA121947, 2U54CA096297-17, R25CA240120. Citation Format: Kandyce G. Keller, Jeslie M. Ramos-Cartagena, MS, Humberto M. Guiot, Cristina Munoz, Yolanda Rodriguez, Vivian Colon-Lopez, Ashish A. Deshmukh, Maribel Tirado-Gomez, Ana Patricia Ortiz. Assessment of the performance of anal cytology as a screening tool for anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions by extent of disease in a clinic-based sample in Puerto Rico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-254.

Introduction: Among jurisdictions of the United States, Puerto Rico (PR) has the highest incidence of cervical cancer, and cervical cancer screening (CCS) is below 80%. Public health emergencies have an impact on people's access to health care services. We examined the impact of the public policy implemented by the government of Puerto Rico during the first 5 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the utilization of CCS for participants of the Government's Public Health Plan. Methodology: This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 40 government executive orders (issued between March 15 to July 31, 2020) were analyzed according to the level of restrictions they imposed on the population. Three periods with the greatest restrictions were identified: two of them in the government's initial response phase (March 15-30th & March 31st-April 12th) and one in the re-opening phase (July 17-July 31st). We examined the utilization of all modalities of CCS (pap test only and pap + HPV contesting). Rate ratios (RRs) were estimated to compare to CCS rates during periods of 2020 and compared to 2018-2019. Results: In comparison to 2019, CCS decreased during the most restricted period (March 31st-April 12th) of the response phase (RR= 0.19, 95% CI=0.15-0.24 for women 21-29 years; RR= 0.04 95% CI= 0.03-0.05 for women 30-65 years). During the re-opening phase, screening services started to rebound. However, an increase in COVID-19 cases led to another restriction (July 17-July31st), which led to a second phase of decrease in utilization of CCS (RR=0.17, 95% CI=0.13-0.21 for women 21-29 years (RR= 0.09, 95% CI=0.08-0.10 for women 30-65 years). Conclusion: Our results evidence how the public policy implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico had a direct impact on the utilization of CCS services in this Hispanic population. Future studies should examine screening patterns and social barriers of service utilization after July 2020 in Puerto Rico. Citation Format: Axel Gierbolini-Bermúdez, Karen Ortiz-Ortiz, Jeslie M Ramos- Cartagena, Kalyani Sonawane, Vivian Colón-Lopez, Ashish Deshmukh, Ana P Ortiz. Impact of COVID-19 public policies on utilization on cervical cancer screening in Puerto Rico during March 15, 2020 to July 31, 2020 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-252.

Introduction: Incidence of oral and oropharyngeal cancers in the United States have increased an average of 0.7% per year over the last decade. Various lifestyles increase the risk of these malignancies, including tobacco, marihuana, and alcohol use, poor oral hygiene, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Oral and oropharyngeal cancers are the fourth most common cancer in Puerto Rican men, a group that has shown an excess risk of death from this malignancy compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. This study assessed lifestyle risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal cancers in Hispanic patients attending sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in Puerto Rico. Methods: Data from an ongoing cross-sectional study (November 2018-present) among men and women receiving services at STI clinics in the San Juan metropolitan area of Puerto Rico was analyzed. Individuals aged 21-49 years, who are sexually active, and are HIV-negative are eligible for the study. Up to date, 72 patients have been recruited and completed all study procedures. An interviewer-administered questionnaire collects information on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. An oral care index was created using tooth brushing and flossing following the American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations. Results: Over half of participants (52.8%) were men, and the mean age was 32 ± 7.9 years. The majority (70.8%) of participants were single, and more than half reported having public insurance (59.7%), an annual income below $20,000 (55.6%), and having had less than 10 lifetime sexual partners (55.7%). Oral and oropharyngeal cancers’ risk factors reported by participants included current tobacco use (20.8%), recent (30 days) binge drinking (55.1%), concurrent use of tobacco and alcohol use (16.7%), current marijuana use (43.1%), and vegetable consumption at least once a day (36.1%). Regarding oral health, the majority (81.9%) of the sample did not followed recommendations about oral care by ADA and only 38.0% reported visiting their dentists every six months. Persons with lowest annual household income ( Citation Format: Paola M Rosado, Filipa Godoy-Vitorino, Jose A Vivaldi, Ana P Ortiz, Jeslie M Ramos-Cartagena, Cynthia M Pérez. Lifestyle risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal cancers in patients attending sexually transmitted infection clinics in Puerto Rico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C025.

Oropharyngeal cancer is on the rise in the US, and despite advances in cancer treatments, oral cancer has a poor prognosis. Tobacco, marihuana, and alcohol use are considered risk factors for oral cancer, as well as periodontal disease (PD) and chronic inflammation, which are considered a significant increase in risk for oral cancer. An altered microbiota is linked with several oral diseases, as several pathogenic species lead to chronic inflammation, and its metabolites may induce permanent genetic alterations and epithelial carcinogenesis. We aimed to relate human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and severity of periodontal disease with the oral microbiota. This ongoing cross-sectional study is recruiting patients aged 21 to 49 from sexually transmitted infection clinics in Puerto Rico. A total of 73 patients were assessed using face-to-face interviews collect sociodemographic, behavioral, oral, and medical characteristics, along with a full-mouth periodontal examination following the NHANES protocol. Periodontitis was defined according to the Centers for Disease Control/American Academy of Periodontology (CDC/AAP) case classification. The saliva collected was used for genomic DNA extractions and 16S rRNA genes were sequenced with Illumina MiSeq. Samples were analyzed according to HPV status (4 HPV+, 69 HPV-) and periodontal disease severity (44 without PD, 14 mild PD, and 15 moderate to severe PD). Sequence data were deposited in QIITA and data analyses were done in QIIME. While 5% of study participants had oral HPV infection, 60% had no periodontitis, 19% had mild, 18% had moderate, and 3% had severe periodontitis. A total of 2.56 million reads were binned into 4,119 bacterial OTUs and 27 were archaea. We found a total of 32 phyla, no significant differences in structure nor in alpha diversity according to HPV infections nor when stratified by gender (likely due to low sample number), BMI, tobacco, or marijuana use. Significant higher alpha diversity was found in periodontitis patients. Those with severe periodontitis had increased amounts of Verrucomicrobia and Firmicutes. Akkermansia had higher abundance in patients with mild periodontitis while Veilonella was more abundant in those with severe periodontitis. Although more patients are needed, our preliminary data seem to indicate that oral microbiota dysbiosis is associated with periodontal disease, suggesting a possible role in oral cancer development. Citation Format: Filipa Godoy-Vitorino, Cynthia Perez, Kimil Acosta, Brayan Vilanova, Jeslie Ramos-Cartagena, Jose Vivaldi, Ana P. Ortiz. Oral microbiota associated to periodontal disease as a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer, in patients from sexually transmitted infection clinics in Puerto Rico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Microbiome, Viruses, and Cancer; 2020 Feb 21-24; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(8 Suppl):Abstract nr A36.

Objective: Research shows that women with HIV infection, lower genital tract neoplasia (LGTN), organ transplants, Chron’s disease and lupus have an increased risk of anal cancers and its precursor lesion, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). Thus, an expert review, including the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and the International Anal Neoplasia Society, recommends anal cytology screening for these women when referral to high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) and treatment is available. Although Puerto Rico has a specialized anal neoplasia clinic since 2014, little is known about anal cancer knowledge and attitudes in women at risk for this malignancy in this population. Thus, this study aims to describe knowledge and attitudes towards anal cancer and anal cancer screening among Hispanic women at increased risk of anal cancer and AIN in Puerto Rico. Methods: Ongoing clinic-based cross-sectional study (May-November 2018) among women receiving services at the colposcopy, gynecology oncology and lower genital tract clinics of the University of Puerto Rico. All women with gynecological neoplasia within the clinic complete an interviewer administered questionnaire and the medical record is reviewed for LGTN diagnosis. From 235 study participants (response rate=67.5%), 83 (35.3%) had a diagnosis of LGTN, HIV, lupus, Chron’s disease, or were transplant patients, and thus were considered at increased risk for anal cancer and AIN, and included in this analysis. Results: 71.8% of women have cervical, 8.4% vulvar, and 9.6% vaginal LGTN. Meanwhile, 10.1% have HIV, 3.6%, are transplant patients, 8.4% have lupus and 2.8% Crohn’s disease. Mean age is 54.9 years (SD=1.73) and 57.8% have an annual income Conclusion: Despite low perceived risk and limited knowledge of anal cancer, there is high interest among this high-risk population to learn more about anal cancer and screening procedures. Results show the importance and the need for education in this topic for patients and physicians, to have an impact on anal cancer prevention. Citation Format: Ana P. Ortiz-Martinez, Sandra García Camacho, Jeslie M. Ramos Cartagena, Claudia Amaya Ardilla, Vivian Colón López, Josefina Romaguera. Knowledge and attitudes towards anal cancer and anal cancer screening among hispanic women at increased risk of anal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2435.