HIV and AIDS

HIV/AIDS-Related Cancer

The connection between HIV/AIDS and certain cancers is not completely understood, but the link likely depends on a weakened immune system. Most types of cancer begin when healthy cells change and grow out of control, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but will not spread. The types of cancer most common for people with HIV/AIDS are described in more detail below.

People with HIV/AIDS have an increased risk of developing the following cancers:

• 
  Kaposi sarcoma


• 
  Non-Hodgkin lymphoma


• 
  Cervical cancer