Project Details
About the Project
The ways in which the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can affect humans are numerous, with high-risk forms of the virus sometimes leading to cancers. Early detection through regular screening, such as Pap tests for cervical cancers, can allow treatment to monitor or deal with the pre-cancerous cells, reducing an individual patient’s cancer risk. Unfortunately, there is no screening process or system in place for anal cancer screening in Island Health, and Dr. Trevor Cohen is hoping to shine a light on this gap in care.
In Spring 2024, Dr. Cohen brought colleagues together to hear from Dr. Troy Grennan, an Infectious Diseases specialist and one of the few clinicians specializing in anal cancer screening west of Toronto. A broad range of professionals – including nurses from Cool Aid, general surgeons; ear, nose, and throat specialists; and radiation oncologists – learned about Dr. Grennan’s clinic, patient population, and experience, and brainstormed ways that a similar service could be created on the Island.
With worldwide rates of anal cancers on the rise, looking for ways to detect and treat the pre-cancerous cells is an important preventative measure. As imagined by Dr. Cohen, “What is required is a clinic that will have a special scope of practice to examine the anal area and just inside. It wouldn’t be expensive in terms of equipment: a room in a hospital and a nurse to support a physician.” He hopes that, by bringing interested people together to learn how another physician is working, someone will be able to see themselves taking this important work on for Vancouver Island.
In terms of next steps, Dr. Grennan has offered for Island clinicians to learn from him in Vancouver, but it’s hard for Victoria docs to find time in an already full schedule to do so. Additionally, Dr. Cohen may host another engagement event, this time for clinicians as well as administrators, to see if this kind of service might have the support of the health authority. We look forward to seeing how the idea of a pre-screening clinic for anal cancer progresses, and many thanks to Dr. Cohen for bringing this idea to light!