Overview:
Medical education curricula have historically provided limited training on communication about sensitive topics like anal health. There is limited awareness among primary care providers about anal cancer risk factors and the importance of screening in high-risk populations. Time constraints in clinical settings often lead to screening conversations being deprioritized. Stigma and embarrassment around colorectal and anal health topics affect both patients and providers, creating a mutual silence that prevents life-saving discussions. Finally, many healthcare organizations lack standardized protocols for integrating colorectal and anal cancer screening conversations into routine care for LGBTQ+ and other underserved patient communities.
Despite colorectal cancer being the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, many healthcare providers lack specific training in initiating screening conversations with patients, particularly those from LGBTQ+ and underserved communities. Current practice often fails to address the unique barriers these populations face, including stigma around anal health discussions, lack of affirming care environments, and provider discomfort with LGBTQ+ patient populations. Additionally, many providers are unaware of the elevated risk of HPV-related anal cancer in high-risk populations, including men who have sex with men and people living with HIV. The ideal practice involves routine, affirming conversations about colorectal and anal cancer screening integrated into standard care for all eligible patients. It is imperative to promote effective collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations to increase screening conversations and reduce cancer mortality.
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
David Russo, BS, MBA Executive Director, Cheeky Charity
Gregory Idos, MD, MS Monsignor Clement J. Connolly Professorship in Medical Oncology; Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology; Center for Precision Medicine, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics; City of Hope
Naomi Jay, PhD, RN, NP, FAAN Assistant Professor of Medicine (Volunteer Status), ANCRE Clinic, University of California San Francisco
Paula Chambers Raney Patient Advocate Specialist, The Cancer Network
DISCLOSURES
David Russo, BS, MBA has indicated that there are no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies. Paula Chambers Raney was a Consultant for Pfizer (Patient Advisory Board); Gregory Idos, MD, MS receives Grant/Research Support from Adela; Naomi Jay, PhD, RN, NP, FAAN is a Consultant for Merck, and Zinnanti Surgical Designs.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
Patient-facing healthcare staff at Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHCs), LGBTQ+ health centers, primary care clinics, and community health organizations, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, medical assistants, and patient navigators, and all other allied health care professionals interested in the subject matter.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Identify current colorectal cancer screening guidelines and explain the importance of screening for early detection and prevention in diverse patient populations.
- Describe the risk factors, epidemiology, and screening considerations for HPV-related anal cancer, particularly in high-risk populations including men who have sex with men and people living with HIV.
- Demonstrate effective, culturally affirming communication techniques for initiating conversations about colorectal and anal cancer screening with patients, including strategies to overcome stigma and embarrassment.
- Integrate patient-centered approaches into clinical practice that address the unique healthcare needs and barriers faced by LGBTQ+ patients regarding cancer screening.
- Discuss possible barriers and biases which may impact patient care (i.e., race, ethnicity, language, gender identity/orientation, age, socioeconomic status, attitudes, feelings or other characteristics).
ACCREDITATION:
ACCREDITATION STATEMENT: City of Hope is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CREDIT DESIGNATION: City of Hope designates this Live activity for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The following credit type(s) are being offered for this course:
• AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ 1.25
The following may apply AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for license renewal:
Registered Nurses: Nurses may report up to 1.25 credit hours toward the continuing education requirements for license renewal by their state Board of Registered Nurses (BRN). AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may be noted on the license renewal application in lieu of a BRN provider number.
Physician Assistants: The National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants states that AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ accredited courses are acceptable for CME requirements for recertification.
CLAIMING CME CREDIT:
The following is required for course completion:
- Participation in the Live Webinar Session
- Record of your attendance needs to be submitted to the Department of Continuing Medical Education (please see below for details on how to prepare for this ahead of time).
- Completion of Evaluation, which will be made available via email at the conclusion of the webinar.
Submitting record of your attendance to the Department of Continuing Medical Education:
A unique Attendance Code will be provided during the live webinar session, which must be submitted to the Department of Continuing Medical Education (CME) via Text-in Method in order to record your attendance.
If you do not have an account in the City of Hope CME System and/or are not familiar with the Attendance Code text-in method, please take a moment now to complete the steps below:
- Create account here!
- Save the City of Hope CME Text-in number in your cell phone contacts
- City of Hope CME Attendance Text-in number is: (626) 314 - 7448

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