References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
People living with HIV have higher rates of some cancers compared to HIV-negative people of the same age. This is due to a combination of factors: HIV-related immune suppression, chronic inflammation, coinfection with cancer-causing viruses (HPV, hepatitis B and C, Epstein-Barr virus), and higher rates of traditional risk factors like smoking.
With effective HIV treatment, the risk of AIDS-defining cancers has dropped dramatically. But non-AIDS cancers remain more common, which is why regular screening and prevention matter.
AIDS-Defining vs Non-AIDS Cancers
AIDS-defining cancers
These are strongly associated with advanced HIV and low CD4 counts. Rates have fallen dramatically with effective ART:
- Kaposi’s sarcoma — caused by HHV-8 virus
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma — particularly aggressive subtypes
- Invasive cervical cancer — linked to HPV
Non-AIDS cancers more common in HIV
| Cancer | Linked Factor | Prevention/Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Anal cancer | HPV infection | Regular anal screening in high-risk groups |
| Liver cancer | Hepatitis B or C coinfection | Treat hepatitis, ultrasound screening |
| Lung cancer | Smoking + HIV inflammation | Quit smoking, consider CT screening |
| Hodgkin lymphoma | Immune dysregulation | Regular check-ups |
| Oropharyngeal cancer | HPV infection | HPV vaccine, dental check-ups |
| Cervical cancer | HPV infection | Regular smear tests |
How to Reduce Your Risk
- Stay on HIV treatment — an undetectable viral load significantly lowers cancer risk
- Stop smoking — the single most impactful change. Smoking-related cancers are the leading cause of cancer death in people with HIV
- HPV vaccination — protects against cervical, anal, and throat cancers
- Hepatitis B vaccination and hepatitis C treatment — reduces liver cancer risk
- Regular screening — cervical smears, mammograms, colon cancer screening as appropriate for age
- Limit alcohol
- Sun protection — people with HIV have higher rates of skin cancers
Read more: What is HIV? | Starting HIV treatment | Anal cancer and HIV
Frequently Asked Questions
Will HIV give me cancer?
HIV itself doesn’t directly cause cancer. It increases your risk by weakening your immune system and through chronic inflammation. Effective ART and healthy lifestyle choices dramatically reduce this risk.
Should I get screened more often?
People with HIV are often recommended more frequent screening for certain cancers (cervical, anal). Your HIV clinic will advise based on your individual risk factors.
Related reading
- A to Z of Sex: Sexual Health Terms Explained
- Alcohol and HIV: What You Need to Know
- Anxiety and HIV: Coping and Getting Support
- Are All STIs Curable?
- Blood Problems and HIV: Anaemia, Low Platelets and More
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
