Early detection of HPV-related cancer might help – CANSA

Each year, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), in association with the International Papilloma Virus Society, features International HPV Awareness Day on March 4 to educate about HPV-related cancer.

HPV, or the human papillomavirus, is a common sexually transmitted infection linked to several types of cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), almost all sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms.

This year’s theme is HPV: Learn. Prevent. Screen. Its #onelessworry hashtag reinforces the importance of creating awareness about the life-saving benefits of regular screenings and advocating for people aged from nine to 26 to get vaccinated for HPV.

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Lorraine Govender, the CANSA national manager: health programmes, said, “This virus doesn’t discriminate and is common. It affects four out of five people regardless of age, race, or gender.

“While many people won’t even realise they have the virus, it may manifest in others as warts on the skin, genital area and throat.”

She said if left untreated, the high-risk viruses could lead to cancer.

There are 12 high-risk HPV types, of which two – HPV 16 and HPV 18 – are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.

“Most people’s immune systems can usually get rid of the virus within two years, and some won’t even know they had it.

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“However, there are those whose immune systems cannot kill the virus and if left untreated, it can eventually lead to cancer,” she said.

There is no cure for HPV, but where it causes abnormal cell changes, it can be treated to prevent the development of cancer.

The danger is that the types of HPV that can cause cancer usually don’t result in any symptoms.

This is why regular screening check-ups are vital for early detection and prevention.

In addition, nine to 26-year-olds are encouraged to get the HPV vaccination to protect them from HPV strains most likely to cause genital warts or cervical cancer.

Using tobacco products can also make it harder for the immune system to get rid of HPV.

According to Govender, vaccinating girls from the age of nine and up to the age of 26 is critical in preventing contracting the virus.

She said the vaccine is a particularly effective primary prevention measure for cervical cancer.

“As CANSA, we encourage parents and guardians of young girls to sign consent forms at schools where vaccination programmes are offered so that young people are protected.

“The HPV vaccine is available for eligible girls (recommended before sexual debut) at no cost at public schools.

“For adults, ways in which to lower the risk of being infected include using a condom during sex and avoiding multiple sexual partners.”

The school-based HPV vaccination campaign is currently available to girls only. However, boys aged nine and older are encouraged to get the HPV vaccine, and caregivers should approach their general practitioner to find out more.

South Africa’s HPV vaccination programme forms part of global efforts by the WHO to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030.

The first step toward this goal is to have 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15.

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With a wide vaccination coverage of girls over the age of nine, it’s possible to eliminate HPV in the next few years, said the organisation.

Routine tests for high-risk HPV strains include pap smear tests for women that check for abnormalities in the cervix or womb.

It’s recommended that from the age of 21, women go for a pap test every three years.

CANSA offers pap smears at most CANSA Care Centres across South Africa at affordable rates, which include clinical breast screening and laboratory fees.

Some public health clinics provide pap smears at no cost.

Asymptomatic women, 30 years and older, are eligible for screening three times at 10-year intervals, assuming no abnormalities are found during screening.

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If women experience abnormal symptoms, they can request a pap smear at public health clinics.

HIV-positive women are eligible for a pap smear at diagnosis and every three years thereafter, if negative for cervical cancer (yearly if screening is positive).

For more information on HPV and how to prevent it or treat it, go to www.cansa.org.za