7 Types of Cancer that Threat The HIV Patients

The low immune systems of people with HIV causes them more susceptible to seven types of cancer. Even so, diagnosis and early treatment can delay the cancer threat.

The researchers from France to test data from three types of cancer associated with AIDS (Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and cervical cancer), and four cancers unrelated to AIDS (Hodgkin's lymphoma, lung cancer, liver cancer, and anal cancer) the 52,278 people infected with HIV.

Researchers in the study also analyzes the link between the immune deficiency, the amount of virus, antiviral therapy, and incidence of cancer. In general, reduced immunity increases the risk of cancer. CD4 cell count (CD4 count reflects the health of the immune system) is a factor that can predict the risk of cancer, except for anal cancer. According to researchers, the link between cancer risk with the amount of virus is lower than the lack of immunity.

CD4 count is the only risk factors that predict Hodgnkin's lymphoma, lung cancer and liver cancer. The increased risk of Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is also associated with low CD4 cell count, the high amount of HIV and combination antiretroviral therapy (CART).

Meanwhile, a high CD4 count associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer. Risk of anal cancer increases when the CD4 count less than 200 cells per mikroliter and number more than 100,000 viruses per milliliter. According to a study published in The Lancet Oncology.

"CART is more useful to improve when the CD4 count above 500 cells per mikroliter, this indicates the early diagnosis of HIV infection and the need for early treatment," said the researchers. In addition the researchers also recommended the importance of cancer screening programs for HIV patients, particularly cervical cancer screening for women who are HIV positive.