HIV and AIDS Related Cancer
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Without treatment, HIV will progress into Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is characterised by opportunistic infections and tumours that are usually fatal if untreated. There are 4 stages of through which the condition progresses, covering: infection; asymptomatic; symtomatic and; the progression of HIV to AIDS. Please visit our Physiopedia page to learn more about the stages of HIV infection. AIDS is defined by the development of certain cancers, infections or other severe long-term clinical manifestations[1].
People living with HIV or AIDS are more likely to get certain types of cancers. These cancers can be classified into either: AIDS defining cancers, where developing certain cancer signifies that the HIV infection has progressed to AIDS; or Non-AIDS defining cancers.
Aetiology[edit | edit source]
- reduced immunity, HIV means unable to prevent other opportunistic viral infections. Some cancers are linked to viruses
Incidence[edit | edit source]
- Having HIV/AIDS creates a greater risk for developing AIDS-related cancers. Kaposi's sarcoma is rare in people without HIV or AIDS.
But the overall rate of AIDS-related cancers has decreased due to the success of anti-retroviral therapy.
[Table showing incidence in US]
Types of HIV and Aids Related Cancer[edit | edit source]
AIDS-defining cancers[edit | edit source]
Non-AIDS-defining cancers[edit | edit source]
Implications for Physiotherapy[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ World Health Organisation. HIV/AIDS [online]. 2022. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids. [Accessed 17 Jan 2022]
