
Hidden HIV-Linked Anal Cancer: A Survivor’s Call to Break the Taboo
An HIV-positive advocate, Daniel Garza, was diagnosed with stage II anal cancer in 2015—likely linked to HIV’s immune suppression and HPV infection. He experienced weight gain despite barely eating, then underwent extensive treatment (radiation, chemotherapy, HBOT) that left him with an ostomy after losing half of his anal sphincter, and he was declared cancer-free in 2017. Garza now channels his experience into advocacy for HIV awareness, anal cancer and HPV education, mental health, and sexuality, urging others with persistent symptoms to seek second opinions and not ignore signs below the belt.











