Dysplasia and Anal Cancer Services

Who is seen at the Dysplasia and Anal Cancer Services (DACS)?

DACS is a referral-based service, which only sees people by appointment. If you think you need to be seen by the clinic, discuss the matter with your doctor first.

We give priority to those with potentially malignant HPV-related disease, such as the following:

  • People with established anal cancer or pre-cancer (“AIN2”, “AIN3” or “HSIL”)

We also see people with anal symptoms who also fall into one of the following groups:

  • HIV positive gay/bisexual men aged 35 years or older 
  • People with immunodeficiency aged 45 years or older 
  • HIV negative gay/bisexual men aged 50 years or older

Sexual Health Clinics and Colorectal Surgeons are better able to help with anal warts and “AIN1” (also known as “LSIL”).

Australian screening guidelines have now been released for People Living with HIV - Anal Cancer Screening Guidelines for PLHIV

DACS is working to increase the number of appointments available. However, it currently does not have capacity to take referrals of people without symptoms, even if screening tests are positive.

Where is it held?

The clinic takes place at the Dysplasia and Anal Cancer Services (DACS), which is located at:

Immunology Ambulatory Care (IBAC)
Level 4, Xavier Building
St Vincent’s Hospital
Victoria Road
Darlinghurst
New South Wales 2010, Australia
 

For appointments please:     
Phone: (02) 8382 3707
Fax: +61 2 8382 2090
Email: svhns.dacs@svha.org.au                                   

What happens there?

Patients are initially assessed for anal pre-cancers and anal cancer, using a variety of techniques including anal cytology, detection of High Risk HPV and high resolution anoscopy. Please note that this is a research, clinical and teaching facility and we frequently have training personnel in attendance.

DACS is involved in a number of research programs. These include: 

READY

This study is evaluating the role of Radio Frequency Ablation in the treatment of anal HSIL.  People with significant amounts of intra-anal HSIL are potentially eligible.

PANTHER

This study is evaluating the role of Electrocautery in the treatment of anal HSIL.  People living with HIV who have mild to moderate intra-anal HSIL are potentially eligible.

Where can I get further information?

Follow the links for further information on this site:

General information can be found at The HPV and Anal Cancer Foundation http://www.analcancerfoundation.org/ and http://analcancerinfo.ucsf.edu/

Resources specifically for gay men are at The Bottom Line   http://www.thebottomline.org.au/

A series of more detailed videos can be found at The Seventh Planet: https://www.youtube.com/user/AnalNeoplasia/feed?activity_view=1