Do you know about the connections between HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV) and anal cancer—and how these issues uniquely play out in the Latino community? Mark your calendar for Monday, June 23, at 6 p.m. ET for a webinar titled “HIV, HPV, and Anal Cancer—What We Need to Know.”
The discussion will be led by health advocate Daniel G. Garza, who was recently on the cover of POZ and is currently on the cover of Cancer Health magazine and who lives with HIV and had anal cancer. The discussion is organized by the Latino Commission on AIDS, which describes the Zoom webinar and Garza as follows:
“This informative talk offers a clear and compassionate look at the connection between the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and anal cancer. We will explore risk factors, prevention, early detection and the emotional impact these diagnoses can have on our communities. The goal is to empower through information, reduce stigma and promote holistic care with empathy and awareness.
“Daniel G. Garza is a passionate health advocate with over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of HIV, cancer, and community education. As a survivor of HIV and anal cancer, he has transformed his personal journey into a powerful platform for awareness, support and empowerment. Through conferences, workshops and digital media, Daniel combines medical information with spiritual and emotional tools to support people living with chronic conditions. His mission is clear: to break stigma, spark real conversations and remind us that even in the midst of diagnosis, life remains full of purpose, humor, and hope.
“Four gift cards of $25 each will be raffled off among all attendees.”
The free webinar will be held in Spanish. Click here to register.
Daniel Garza on the cover of Cancer Health, summer 2025
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that nearly 13 million Americans contract each year. Most sexually active people carry some of the more than 100 known types. HPV can come and go over time as the immune system clears it and reinfection occurs. HPV triggers abnormal cell growth, including warts and precancerous tissue changes known as dysplasia. If left untreated, these abnormal changes can progress to cervical, anal, genital and mouth and throat cancers. Each year about 35,000 people are diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV. The good news is that there are effective vaccines.
HIV, in contrast, is a virus that attacks the immune system. Over several years, the immune system becomes depleted, and the body isn’t able to fight infections, leading to an AIDS diagnosis. Although there is no cure for HIV, many safe and effective treatments—often just one pill a day—are available. The medications help people living with HIV enjoy long and healthy lives and keep them from transmitting the virus to others.
Daniel Garza on the POZ April/May 2025 cover
About 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States, and it’s estimated that about 13% of them don’t know they are positive. What’s more, nearly 40% of new HIV cases are transmitted by people who don’t they are HIV positive.
While Latinos make up about 19% of the U.S. population, they accounted for 29% of all new HIV cases in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To learn more, click #Latino, and you’ll find headlines such as:
