Research in HPV+ cancer patients has shown that negative test results can significantly lower fear of cancer recurrence—a measurable reduction in distress and anxiety after receiving a negative result.41 NavDx testing doesn’t just detect recurrence. When results are negative, it can actively improve your confidence and quality of life between surveillance visits.
About HPV+ Anal Cancer.
Approximately 90% of anal cancers are caused by HPV, making HPV+ anal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ ASCC) one of the most common HPV-driven cancers in the United States. Incidence has been rising in recent years, with roughly 10,000 new cases diagnosed annually. HPV+ ASCC affects twice as many women as men.
The good news is that chemoradiotherapy (CRT)—the combination of chemotherapy and radiation—is highly effective as a primary treatment for most patients with HPV+ ASCC, and many achieve a complete response. But recurrence after treatment remains a real risk and catching it early can make a meaningful difference in what treatment options are available.
Studies show that 20–30% of HPV+ anal cancer patients may experience persistent disease or recurrence after treatment. Most recurrences occur within the first two years, which is why regular surveillance during the first years after treatment is so important.
Earlier Detection.
Published studies show that the NavDx® test can detect HPV+ anal cancer recurrence earlier than standard surveillance methods. In a multi-institutional study of 117 patients, the NavDx test detected recurrence a median of 59 days before it was identified by clinical exam or imaging.4
That time matters. When recurrence is found earlier:
- More treatment options may be available
- Sphincter-preserving surgery, which protects quality of life, may be possible in place of more extensive procedures
- The chance for successful salvage treatment may be greatest when tumor burden is lowest
Fewer Inconclusive Results. Clearer Answers.
One of the most anxiety-producing experiences during post-treatment surveillance is an inconclusive result, when a scan or physical exam leaves your care team uncertain about what they are seeing. That uncertainty can mean more tests, more waiting, and sometimes an invasive procedure just to get clarity.
Because the NavDx test looks for a specific, measurable marker in your blood rather than interpreting images, inconclusive results are rare. Here is how it compares to standard surveillance methods in a study of HPV+ anal cancer patients.4
The NavDx test was also able to accurately resolve 94.3% of the inconclusive findings from imaging and digital anorectal exam (DARE), giving those patients and their Providers clarity on their cancer status with a single blood draw.4
Greater Assurance and Peace of Mind.
For many patients, the reassurance of a negative NavDx test result is just as valuable as catching recurrence early. Because NavDx testing is highly accurate, a negative result means a very strong likelihood that there was no detectable disease at the time of testing.
How Often Will I Need Testing?
Your Provider will determine the schedule that is right for your specific situation, but the following reflects the general testing interval allowed by Medicare in surveillance, which is similar to published follow-up guidelines.
Being Informed is Part of Taking Care of Yourself.
After treatment for HPV+ anal cancer, questions don’t stop and answers can be hard to find in language that actually makes sense. Visit our growing library of educational resources created for HPV+ anal cancer patients and their caregivers.
Whether you’re trying to understand your TTMV Score, prepare for a conversation with your Provider, or simply learn more about what surveillance after treatment looks like, you’ll find resources here to help.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Life after treatment for HPV+ anal cancer comes with questions, emotions, and practical challenges that go beyond the clinic. Whether you’re looking for connection with others who understand what you’ve been through, guidance on managing side effects, help with financial concerns, or simply someone to talk to, support is available. Visit the organizations below for a variety of resources for HPV+ anal cancer patients and their caregivers. These organizations are independent of Naveris but share our commitment to helping patients live well after cancer treatment.
American Cancer Society <<cancer.org>>
24/7 hotline (800-227-2345), anal cancer discussion board, Hope Lodge lodging, transport to treatment, financial referrals
Anal Cancer Foundation <<analcancerfoundation.org>>
Peer-to-peer patient matching, support groups, clinical trial navigation, patient hotline (646-593-7739); founded by anal cancer survivors
CancerCare <<cancercare.org>>
Free counseling, support groups, financial assistance; publishes a dedicated Coping With Anal Cancer booklet
Cancer Support Community <<cancersupportcommunity.org>>
175+ locations; counseling, support groups, helpline (866-272-5309)
Cheeky Charity <<cheekycharity.org>>
Virtual support groups (bi-monthly), patient/survivor guides, LGBTQ+-focused outreach (PrideCare program); queer-led, strong for ASCC’s at-risk populations
COLONTOWN (ANALWISE) <<colontown.org>>
100+ private support groups including ANALWISE — a dedicated anal cancer program; peer consultation, clinical trial info
Colorectal Cancer Alliance <<colorectalcancer.org>>
Patient helpline (877-422-2030), BlueHQ resource portal, financial assistance, support groups
Fight Colorectal Cancer <<fightcolorectalcancer.org>>
Patient helpline (877-427-2111), educational resources (English + Spanish), advocacy, clinical trial guidance
HPV Cancers Alliance <<hpvca.org>>
Education, stigma reduction, survivor support; co-founded by Marcia Cross (anal cancer survivor) — strong HPV-to-cancer connection
Imerman Angels <<imermanangels.org>>
One-on-one peer mentoring — matches patients with trained cancer survivor mentors
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Patient Resources <<nccn.org/patients>>
Free patient-language treatment guidelines by cancer type
National Cancer Institute (NCI) / Cancer.gov <<cancer.gov>>
Federal cancer info hotline, clinical trial matching, patient education
Patient Advocate Foundation <<patientadvocate.org>>
Co-pay relief, insurance navigation, case management
Coverage and Financial Assistance.
NavDx testing is covered by a growing number of commercial insurance companies, as well as Medicare for specific indications. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.