The SOLO Study

There is a much greater risk for anal cancer among gay and bisexual men and transgender women, especially those who are HIV-positive. But we don’t know the best way for people to get screened.

From 2018-2024 the Prevent Anal Cancer Self-Swab Study in Milwaukee learned that many sexual and gender minorities preferred to do self-swabbing at home rather than go to a clinic for anal swabbing by a clinician. The SOLO Study (Self-sampling to Optimize anal Lesion Outcomes) takes the next step by asking if self-sampling also encourages follow-up care at a clinic. The study’s findings will help us understand more about how to detect anal cancer earlier, when it’s much easier to treat.

The SOLO Study will enroll gay and bisexual men (both cis and trans) and transgender women in Chicago, Houston, and Milwaukee. Participants will receive up to $140 to help us learn better ways to get anal cancer detected earlier.

The study is funded by the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. It is being led by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin in partnership with the University of Chicago, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and LGBT-friendly community-based organizations and community health clinics in each city.

If you would like more information about SOLO, you can contact us by email or telephone.

The SOLO Study is not yet recruiting. Please check back soon!