Cancer, HIV, and stigma: a portfolio analysis of grants funded by the National Cancer Institute

People with HIV (PWH) are at higher risk of cancer compared to the general population and experience worse cancer outcomes compared to cancer patients without HIV. One contributing factor to these outcomes is stigma, a social phenomenon that manifests across both HIV and cancer and compounds among those with a dual diagnosis. To assess the state of research, we conducted a portfolio analysis of National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded extramural grants on this topic.

A keyword search identified 47 potentially relevant awards funded between Fiscal Years 2014-2024. Sixteen awards (8 research awards; 8 grant supplements) met inclusion criteria and were further double-coded for key study characteristics.

Funded awards most frequently considered the prevention (n = 6) and treatment (n = 8) phases of the cancer control continuum, with few focusing on other phases of the continuum. Study samples were racially heterogeneous and often socioeconomically challenged, but no grants focused on other high-risk populations such as individuals with disabilities. Stigma was most often assessed as a predictor (n = 10) and measured at the individual level (n = 16). Seven awards assessed both HIV and cancer stigma, but these constructs were usually assessed independently. Only three grants included an intervention component addressing stigma.

NCI-supported research on stigma in the context of HIV and cancer has been limited over the past decade. Results point to opportunities for enhancing extramural research in this area, including developing and testing stigma reduction interventions, expanding research across the cancer control continuum, and focusing on all affected populations.