Impact of anal precancer screening on patient-reported outcomes among men-who-have-sex-with-men living with HIV: a scoping review.

Interest in human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal cancer screening among high-risk groups like men-who-have-sex-with-men living with HIV (MSMLWH) is high. Yet, the psychosocial impact of screening is not yet clear. We reviewed literature on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) associated with anal precancer screening among MSMLWH to identify current research priorities. In this scoping review, inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed studies of any type published in English since 2000 reporting PROs after anal precancer screening in MSMLWH. A database search (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and APA PsycINFO) was conducted in December 2024. Data were extracted independently by two authors using a standardised form. Eleven papers (nine cohorts) met the inclusion criteria, mostly from high-income countries. Participants were generally over 40 and had lived with HIV for greater than or equal to 10 years. All were involved in anal precancer screening studies; none were part of routine screening programmes. Ethnicity data were inconsistently reported. Papers covered four PRO domains: health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychological impact, experience of screening procedures, and physical health. Screening was well-tolerated with minimal psychological or HRQoL impact. Negative impact related to screening procedures did not persist beyond receiving results. Low levels of pain and discomfort (≤11%) were reported. Some reported increased cancer-related worry, especially when further examination was needed. Systematic collection of PROs in this context remains uncommon. Existing evidence suggests screening is generally well tolerated with minimal psychological burden, though some studies note psychosocial effects. Using validated PRO measures can guide targeted support and inform the development of screening programmes that minimise psychological adverse effects.