What You Think You Know About HPV and Cervical Cancer Versus the Medical Facts
It’s a scary truth: HPV myths are everywhere, and they’re keeping people misinformed. Misinformation keeps our women and girls unprotected and vulnerable to high-risk strains of HPV and then cervical cancer. It also shames women into silence. With the #StopHPVForHer campaign, we’re cutting through the noise with facts. The truth is, cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. We want to put that power back into your hands. What matters is getting the facts right and having accurate information, accessible vaccination, and regular screening. Below, we tackle the biggest myths about HPV, cervical cancer, and prevention. We’ve also compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about the HPV vaccine, because you deserve clear answers to protect your daughter and yourself too. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Only people who are promiscuous get HPV False. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most sexually active people will get HPV at some point, even those in monogamous relationships. HPV is rare False. It is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women will get at least one type of HPV during their lives. If I have HPV, I will definitely develop cancer False. In 9 out of 10 cases, the body’s immune system clears the HPV infection naturally within two years. Cancer only occurs when a high-risk HPV infection persists. HPV only affects women False. HPV affects men as well, causing anal, penile, throat, and head/neck cancers, and genital warts. You can only get HPV through penetrative sex False. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, often during intimate contact, not just intercourse. Condoms prevent HPV transmission Partially true, but misleading. Condoms can lower the risk, but they don’t cover all genital skin, so HPV transmission is still possible. HPV is the same as HIV or Herpes False. HPV is a different virus. Unlike HIV, most HPV infections are harmless and clear up on their own. The HPV vaccine is only for teenagers False. While most effective when given early (9-14), the vaccine is recommended for individuals up to age 26 who haven’t been vaccinated, and some adults up to 45 may decide to get it after consulting their doctor. Please consult your doctor for medical advice. If I have warts, I will get cancer False. Genital warts are caused by low-risk types of HPV (usually types 6 and 11), which do not cause cervical cancer. HPV only affects older people False. Research from the USA shows that HPV infection rates are highest among young adults and teenagers. I have to have symptoms to have HPV False. HPV is often called the “silent infection” because most people with the virus have no signs or symptoms and never know they have it. If my daughter gets the vaccine, she will become promiscuous False. Studies globally have shown no link between receiving the HPV vaccine and an increase in sexual activity or risk-taking behavior in adolescents. The vaccine is not safe; it causes serious side effects False. Research from global health organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirms that the HPV vaccine has been rigorously tested and is proven to be safe and highly effective. Data shows that serious side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild and short-term, like soreness or redness at the injection site. If I’m already sexually active, the vaccine won’t work False. Even if you’ve been exposed to one type of HPV, the vaccine can still protect you against other types you haven’t contracted yet. Consult with your doctor for medical advice and screening. Only women who have had many partners need the vaccine False. The vaccine protects against low and high-risk HPV types, and even a person with only one partner is at risk of exposure. The vaccine also protects against low risk HPV types that cause genital warts. I can get tested for HPV with a blood test False. The HPV test for cancer screening uses a swab of cervical cells. There is no standard blood test for HPV. Once I clear HPV, I am immune forever False. While your body can clear an infection, it does not make you immune to contracting HPV in the future. HPV is preventable by using antibiotics False. HPV is a virus, and antibiotics are ineffective against it. Vaccination is the primary prevention tool. My daughter is too young to think about HPV False. Health experts have selected ages 9-14 are the optimal time for vaccination because it targets protection before any potential exposure and research suggests a stronger immune response. If I have a new partner, I need an HPV test right away False. Routine HPV screening is only done as part of cervical cancer screening, typically starting from the age of 21 to 65. It’s once every 3 years if you do the Pap smear VIA or VILI, and once every 5 years if you do the HPV DNA testing. Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer is hereditary False. Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent high-risk type HPV infection, not genetics. Cervical cancer is always a death sentence False. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers if detected and treated early. Once I’m vaccinated, I never need screening False. The vaccine protects against the most common high-risk types, but regular screenings (Pap smears and HPV tests) are still necessary. Cervical cancer is the same as uterine cancer False. Cervical cancer starts in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus); uterine cancer starts in the main body of the uterus (endometrium). The only symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding False. While abnormal bleeding is common, other symptoms can include pelvic pain, pain during sex, or unusual discharge. I am too old to worry about cervical cancer False. While the risk is present in younger women, most cervical cancer diagnoses occur in women over the age of 40. Cervical cancer is caused by stress or poor diet False. While lifestyle factors affect overall health, the direct cause of
Why Your Mental Health Matters as an Entrepreneur
Introduction: The Hidden Side of Hustle Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as freedom — freedom to create, to lead, to innovate. But what’s rarely talked about is the emotional weight of being the one who holds the vision, the payroll, and the pressure to “keep it all together.” For many African women entrepreneurs, the hustle culture is real — juggling business, family, finances, and expectations. Yet behind every success story, there’s often a silent battle with stress, anxiety, and burnout. Your mental health is not a luxury or a side project. It’s the engine that drives your creativity, leadership, and long-term sustainability. The Connection Between Mental Health and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career; it’s a lifestyle that can blur the lines between personal well-being and business demands. Studies show that entrepreneurs are twice as likely to experience depression and three times more likely to struggle with addiction than traditional employees. Why? Because founders often carry the emotional weight of: When your mind is overwhelmed, your productivity, innovation, and resilience all take a hit. Why Prioritizing Mental Health Boosts Productivity Many entrepreneurs think rest is a reward for success — but in truth, it’s the fuel for it.Here’s how a healthy mind makes you a stronger business leader: The Burnout Cycle (and How to Break It) Burnout often creeps in quietly — late nights, skipped meals, canceled social plans — until suddenly you’re running on empty. Signs of burnout include: To break the cycle: Practical Self-Care Tips for African Women Entrepreneurs The Bigger Picture: Redefining Strength As African women leaders, we’re often taught that strength means endurance — keep going no matter what. But true strength is in awareness, balance, and sustainability. Your business is an extension of you. If you thrive, it thrives.Investing in your mental health is one of the most powerful business decisions you can make. Let’s shift the narrative. Success isn’t about how much you hustle — it’s about how well you honor your humanity while building your dreams. So, the next time you feel guilty for resting, remember: you are the most important asset your business has. Protect your peace, nurture your joy, and watch your impact multiply.
6 Reasons Entrepreneurs are Vulnerable to Mental Health Issues
Entrepreneurs are known to possess specific skills that fuel their desires to start, manage, and succeed in a business venture. These traits, however, are also being seen as contributing negatively to their mental health at a given time in their lifetime. Recent investigations indicate that entrepreneurs are more likely to suffer mental illness. According to Michael Freeman, a psychiatrist, psychologist, and former CEO, entrepreneurs are 50 percent more probable to report having a mental health breakdown, with some particular conditions being more prevalent among founders. In a recent study, Dr. Freeman observed that up to 72 percent of entrepreneurs surveyed self-reported mental health issues. The findings from the research indicate that entrepreneurs are: Twice as likely to suffer from depression Six times more likely to suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Three times more likely to suffer from substance abuse 10 times more likely to suffer from bipolar disorder Twice as likely to have a psychiatric hospitalization Twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts Let’s talk about Mental Health According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is not merely the absence of mental health challenges. It is the “state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”. Also known as mental well-being (MWB), mental health, which is traditionally studied in medicine, psychology, and public health, is increasingly gaining attention in other disciplines as well. Scientists, psychologists, economists, management experts among many other experts are taking an interest in the mental health issues of entrepreneurs. The experts have concluded that mental disorders are not only common but may, in fact, fuel the entrepreneurial spirit. According to Michael Freeman – executive coach to entrepreneurs and clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine… “Mental health conditions are accompanied by positive traits that enable entrepreneurs to excel.” Take ADHD, a condition that research suggests is more prominent among entrepreneurial types. “If you have ADHD, two of the positive traits are a need for speed and an interest in exploration and recognizing opportunities,” he says. “[you have] an ability to act without getting stuck with analysis paralysis.” Entrepreneurs are recognized as contributing to economic growth, innovation, and job creation across the world. They do so by identifying and addressing the needs in a particular market. The late Steve Jobs referring to entrepreneurs said, “People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” In the midst of stiff competition and many challenges, entrepreneurs have to employ strict and strategic measures to remain in business. By so doing, these business-oriented individuals often neglect their wellbeing in a bid to grow their ventures. Although in the past, entrepreneurs’ mental health has not received much attention, recently, leaders across the world have begun discussing mental health issues to create awareness on the matter. Earlier this year at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. World leaders including the UK’s Prince William, CEO of HSBC, among others, shed light on mental health problems in a therapeutic and non-stigmatic way. The mental health crisis in start-ups With such alarming and scary statistics, the question is: why are entrepreneurs more likely to experience mental health issues? Speaking from his Nairobi office, director of Consulting and Training at People Centric Management Company, Ken Munyua shared with us insights on the following seven areas that make entrepreneurs more susceptible to mental problems. 1. Fear of failure/uncertainty “Fear of failure has crippled many people even before trying,” observes Munyua. Uncertainty and anxiety contribute negatively to our mental well-being. With so much competition, uncertainty is ever a looming phenomenon among entrepreneurs. Remaining positive and pressing on in the time of our powerlessness should be the ultimate goal for any businessman/woman. “Get out there and try; if it does not work, use the experience to improve on your next venture, Munyua advises.” 2. Social isolation Incognizant of how they contribute to mental problems, those close to the entrepreneurs can create a social gap through alienation. While entrepreneurs are excited about the new venture, often, the society including friends and family fail to offer the needed support. Choosing to the non-traditional path can bring about social isolation as one focuses all energy and time into succeeding in the business. 3. Stress Munyua notes that in the formative stage, in particular, entrepreneurs require more time to start and ensure the business survives. During this time, many people in business are pressed hard in managing both business and social life. Over time, the stress leads to sleepless nights, overworking, and lack of appetite or skipping meals due to work and the problems keep spilling over, which can lead to depression if the stress is not addressed well on time. 4. Impression management One thing that entrepreneurs do well is acting like everything is working even at the edge of failure. By creating this facade, entrepreneurs do not seek help even when they need it as they do not want to appear weak. This disconnect between personal experiences, and what they share with the public creates insecurity, and a sense of confusion, further leading to stress, and consequently depression. 5. Inadequate resources to address mental health Mental health resources in entrepreneurship, as is the case in other fields, receive little or no support. As organizations and firms come together to fund and support budding as well as existing entrepreneurs, factors such as mental wellbeing of the businessmen and women should be factored into the budget. 6. Too many expectations Munyua observes that Carl Rodgers, a renowned psychologist, warns that human beings are disturbed when expectations are not met. “Always hope for the best but prepare for the worst,” Munyua adds. Our mantra should be “expect nothing, and be prepared for anything,” as the saying by the Samurai of ancient Japan goes. We should
Mwandwe Chileshe: My career in nutrition stemmed from my own struggles with ill health
Mwandwe Chileshe is a Global Health Corps alumni who has carved out a meaningful career path in Zambia’s health and nutrition sector. In this interview, she speaks on how to trailblaze a career that’s both challenging and rewarding—while working to ensure the safety and health of generations to come. What inspired you to build a career in nutrition/health? My work in nutrition and global health stemmed from my own struggles with ill health. As a university student enthusiastic and eager to learn, I was suddenly struck with multiple abdomen complications. This led me through many hospital corridors and multiple surgical procedures. The experience included severe pain, days of no food, and wards where I saw people in even worse conditions. After three years of this situation, I realized that my opportunity to access health services gave me the best shot at life. The experience took a financial and emotional toll, which would have been hard to survive without the goodwill of my family. In the meantime, many women and girls are living through worse, and some of their lives are cut short as they are unable to access the health services they need. When I started to work on nutrition I was exposed to the dire effects of hunger and malnutrition on women, girls, and children. Children who lack access to adequate nutrition and consequently suffer from chronic malnutrition (stunting), their fates are decided even before they can make their own decisions. A stunted child is more likely to fail at school, fall sick with other conditions, and struggle to find work as an adult. My first-hand experience of the heavy price of inequitable health services coupled with my early work experience in nutrition motivated me to build a career in global health advocating for improved nutrition. What does the future hold for this sector? How can young leaders plugin and cultivate their own careers here? So many people worldwide are affected by hunger and malnutrition. More than a billion women and girls do not have the access to the adequate nutrition that they need. It is a health and development issue that requires a critical mass of young minds to solve. Political will has been stated, global commitments have been made, and yet nutrition remains insufficiently funded globally. For an issue that affects so many of us, it is important that we get involved and we pursue careers that will have lasting impacts. It is a space that still needs people to see its importance and its linkages to so many other health and development issues. What does it mean to be an anti-poverty advocate? How does this show up in your daily life? It shows up in the little and the big decisions in my life. Straight out of undergrad I started to work for one of Zambia’s leading commercial banks in a high-density area. What stood out for me at the time was how during a 30-minute bus ride, the landscape changed from posh malls to people living in shacks. The disparity was so apparent and jarring. Every morning was a trek to where the people strung along their savings. Within four months I knew I couldn’t stay. I quit at what was considered a prestigious and income-secure job and went right back to work on nutrition and health. For me, being an anti-poverty advocate means that I cannot be satisfied with just my own income security. When faced with the small choices or the big ones, I will always choose that which impacts more than just me. After my work at the bank, I went on to lead and contribute to efforts to raise the profile of nutrition and increase political will to address it. I played a significant role in the startup and growth of Zambia’s Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition Alliance (CSO-SUN), the first organization in the country solely dedicated to advocacy on nutrition. I took the lead within CSO-SUN in ensuring creative approaches towards advocacy efforts. I became a Global Health Corps fellow working at 1,000 Days in the U.S. as a Global Advocacy and Outreach Associate, working to mobilize greater resources for nutrition initiatives. In early 2017, I became a global citizen campaigner and was recognized as one of their leading youth advocates. Through this role, I have led and supported significant campaigns and advocacy on nutrition. Most recently, I was part of the Global Citizen team that worked to secure commitments for the Mandela 100 festival in December 2018. Why is it important for young leaders to build careers that are socially-minded? How has your career shaped your identity? The problems arising from hunger, malnutrition, poverty are not new at all. The world needs new solutions to these old problems! It is so important that young people get involved. We are open-minded, and we have fresh voices and new ideas. We cannot sit by and wait for phantom changemakers – it is us that we need. My friend joked to me just a few days ago that when someone asked what my hobbies are and what I do for fun, she responded by saying “That’s easy, her nutrition advocacy work.” We laughed, but I interpreted the exchange as a sign that my career deeply shapes my identity. Perhaps more importantly, I believe it means that the joy that I get from the work I do is evident. The work you do isn’t easy. How do you stay focused, committed, and well? There are moments when fighting for health equity is overwhelming and challenging. I imagine that this is true for all careers working towards a better world. I find that it is important for me to always remember why I do what I do to stay focused and motivated. However, this also includes acknowledging burn out and cultivating time for self-care, which allows me to always bring the best version of myself to my work. Interested in contributing for She Leads Africa? Click here.
A case study from The Safety Chic on How to crush your 2019 goals
It’s a new year and you’ve set those amazing goals that will propel you to your next level. How do you go from being a novice to getting international recognition? How do you go from your current great level to the higher rung on the ladder of success? I would be sharing with you a few tips that worked for me while building “The Safety Chic” brand from zero to almost a hundred. I am not at my destination yet but I am a good distance from where I started. Even though I’m still a work in progress, I believe you can pick a thing or two from my experience. In my opinion, there are 5 major things that you’d need to consider to ensure you go from zero to influence or from the level you’re on currently to the next. [bctt tweet=”How do you go from your current great level to the higher rung on the ladder of success? Learn from – @TheSafetyChic ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Preparation What do you have in your hands right now? Do you have some training or certifications in a certain area? Do you have work experience either paid or unpaid? How about requisite soft skills and good behavior? What life experience do you have which has charted you on a certain path? These things are tools available to you that if used correctly will prepare you for your next level. As someone with a communications background, I later got interested in the Safety profession but had to ensure I was qualified by getting the right certifications and gaining work experience through volunteer work. While working for free, I put my best foot forward with good behavior and that led to my bosses recommending me for jobs that paid and took me out of state. Based on your set goals, what do you think you can begin to do NOW to prepare you? It’s never late to start Grit and Consistency When the going gets tough, the tough get going. As motherland moguls, you need to decide upfront that you’d have staying power no matter the disappointment or challenge you face. What would you do when friends disappoint you or when no client shows up? What will you do when no one is reading your blog, watching your videos or listening to your podcast? Would you still continue? There was a time it felt like no one was seeing all the work I was putting in. There were times friends I asked to give me a shout out on social media did not do it. [bctt tweet=”At a time, I had no customer. I had to keep doing my bit because I knew this was just a phase that would pass – @TheSafetyChic ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] When you stay consistent, even though your audience is unresponsive, you’d have what we call a top of mind awareness and when something comes up in your niche, you would be the first person remembered. There were many times safety situations came up in the country and everyone would be seeking my opinion on social media. This made me appreciate my consistency. More importantly, I honestly assessed what I was doing and decided to seek help in areas where I needed it to ensure I achieved my goals. Seek knowledge He that knows not and knows not that he knows not is a foolish man. If you know you do not know something, seek knowledge centers. There are many ways to acquire knowledge in today’s world. Besides Google, there are thought leaders in almost all subject matters. Read and listen to what they say, pick up what is relevant to you. Do courses online and in-person. Find mentors and coaches. There are a lot of mentors you can learn from by watching them, they do not need to be in your DM for you to get it. I learn a lot from reading Strive Masiyiwa’s posts on Facebook but he does not know I exist yet. When my business needed redefinition in 2016, I took Steve Harris’s Mastering the Business of your Talent Course. That exposed me to the path to tow, increased the number of quality people in my network and he linked me to my current Coach Rotimi Eyitayo who works in the Education space. [bctt tweet=”Prepare yourself for success by doing courses online and in-person. Find mentors and coaches. – @TheSafetyChic ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] This placed me on the right trajectory because I needed to break into the education space. I’m also very selective of the people I listen to on social media and the groups I join. There is a great Facebook group with so much knowledge being shared regularly that has helped me tremendously. It’s called Headstart Africa. This is a good way to get informed. Look around you, how do you plan to acquire knowledge for your desired goal? Remember, you can get this formally and informally. Execute the tasks Whatever thy hands find to do, do with all diligence. There are so many coaches, mentors and courses can do for you. If you do not execute, you will not move an inch. Put your learnings to work. Create products, organize events, write blog articles, shoot videos, record podcasts, write a book, collaborate with others etc. Basically, step out in faith and do what you need to do. Do not lose focus because of what people are saying. You must also be your own PR agency. [bctt tweet=”It is important you have a digital trail so that when a search is done, you and your work will pop up. – @TheSafetyChic” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] As you execute, talk about your work and document digitally on your social media for a start. As you go, you’d eventually get mentions in blogs and other media. It is important you have a digital trail so that when a search is done, you and your work will pop up. This is really important most especially if you want your work