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
Ladies, here are some health tests you need to do regularly
Life can get hectic so much so that it can start to neglect our health. You may find yourself canceling doctors’ appointments to meet deadlines. This is a bad idea. First of all, you need to be at your best physically, for you to be able to give your hustle the best possible version of yourself. But also because you could find yourself with serious medical problems that could have been detected early or avoided. Here are a few tests that you should never ever postpone: Breast Exam You can do this at home at least once a week if you notice any lumps in your breast then you should go to the doctor for further tests. Ladies, let’s not even play. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. That is why it’s important to regularly check for any abnormalities in your breasts. Checking regularly allows you to learn what your breasts normally feel like so that should there be a change you can notice it immediately. Cholesterol Test This test is done by a doctor, he/she will test your cholesterol level by taking blood. High cholesterol levels can stop blood in your arteries from flowing freely, causing heart problems. High cholesterol coupled with high stress is a recipe for disaster even for young people. Your doctor will assess your risk and advice you about how often you need to have this test. Pap Smear This test checks for cervical cancer, the doctor will take a sample from the vaginal walls. It’s best to do this every 3 years unless there are other health complications that would require you to get it done more often. HIV Test It’s always a good idea that you do an HIV test every 3 to 6 months especially if you engage in unprotected sex. But if you don’t, you can do it as often as you feel comfortable doing it. Eye test It’s advisable to have an eye test once a year especially if you spend a lot of time in front of the computer. Dental Checks This is the most neglected test but really you should visit your dentist at least once a year. Many dental issues can lead to bad breath and this can be a career killer. You should never only visit a doctor when you are due for a test but also when you are not feeling well. Listen to your body, it will tell you if something is wrong. Take care ladies, your health is one of your most valuable assets. Interested in contributing for She Leads Africa? Click here.