Dr. Tamzin Cuming — a colorectal surgeon and the second woman president of the International Anal Neoplasia Society (IANS) — discusses teamwork, gender bias, and the urgent need to destigmatize conversations about anal cancer.

She highlights IANS's impact on her career and its commitment to structured training and organized prevention, urging clinicians to listen carefully, examine thoroughly, and speak openly about symptoms and risk factors.

Addressing misconceptions about women's risk, she envisions a future in which screening is routine and cross-specialty collaboration is standard. Though decades away, she imagines a time when these efforts will succeed in "putting ourselves out of business."

Dr. Cuming is also working on a book, Bottoms Up: Tales from Surgery's Back End.

With a background in colorectal surgery and health informatics, as well as a passion for promoting prevention within the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. Elliot Aroniadis accomplished something unprecedented. At the Twin Cities Pride Event in 2023, his group, Save The Bottoms, provided on-site self-screening for anal pre-cancer and cancer. A few days later, his presentation about the success of this event at Grand Rounds impressed his professional community. This led to a collaboration with the Masonic Cancer Center, the University of Minnesota, and The Randy Shaver Research and Community Fund.

A team builder and innovator with experience in health informatics, Aroniadis understands how to leverage technology in daily life. By partnering with community influencers, Save The Bottoms effectively uses social media to reach underserved communities in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota. Resourceful and visionary, his unique skills are enhancing awareness and prevention of anal cancer and its precursors. His team describes working with him as "fun," which is how we would characterize this interview!

Bottom Line

A candid and delightful discussion with two pioneers who are shaping the awareness of anal and colorectal cancer in the LGBTQ+ community.

What do an entrepreneur and a stand-up comic have in common? A desire to raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community about anal and colorectal cancers. David founded Cheeky Charity following his own health scare with colorectal cancer in 2021. Daniel has been HIV positive for fourteen years and was engaged in advocacy when he was diagnosed with anal cancer.

The two began collaborating only a year ago, providing special sensitivity to mental health issues. Their approach is to educate, entertain, and inspire. With an awareness of cancer's psychological, physical, and spiritual effects, Cheeky Charity combines humor with education, creating a unique and effective strategy.

Talking about cancer at Pride events across the country, Cheeky Charity strives to keep the community healthy by addressing the risks openly. With ease of conversation that encourages people to lower their guard, they convey their message through excellent website design and honest dialogue.

Stigma is a struggle. Unapologetically irreverent, Cheeky Charity fosters an environment that promotes prevention through awareness and early detection. Their myth-busting, empowering message of support is straightforward: Love your body. Love yourself. Recognize your risk. Get screened.

Cheeky Charity https://www.cheekycharity.org/

Christian and Daniel Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weUpUE7ZDGU