Picture: iStock
Human papilloma- virus (HPV) is one of the most frequently passed-on sexually transmitted diseases.
While campaigning has focused on cervical cancer, the risks for both sexes remain high.
Recently, legendary tennis player and multiple Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova, 66, announced that she was diagnosed with throat cancer in January this year.
And, just more than a decade ago, Hollywood actor Michael Douglas announced that his throat cancer was caused by the HPV virus, contracted through oral sex with an HPV-infected person.
According to Dr Jonathan Redelinghuys of Medicare24, there are more than 200 types of HPV, but only about 40 can affect the genital area.
Most of these genital HPV infections clear up on their own without any treatment or health problems.
However, certain types of HPV can lead to cancer if they are left untreated. These high-risk types are known as HPV 16 and 18 and are responsible for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases.
The HPV virus commonly presents as genital warts. But HPV can also affect other areas of the body besides the genitals.
“HPV can also cause oral and throat cancers. This is common among people who engage in oral sex. Symptoms of oral HPV can include persistent mouth sores, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and earaches,” said Redelinghuys.
The most effective method of preventing HPV-related cancers is through vaccination. The HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective, with studies showing it can prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers.
In SA, the vaccine is recommended for all children aged nine to 14 years before they become sexually active.
However, Redelinghuys noted that there was still a stigma and much misinformation surrounding the HPV vaccine. “Some people still believe the vaccine is only for women or that it promotes promiscuity,” he said.
“These are myths. The vaccine is safe for women and men and is not a licence to engage in risky sexual behaviour.”
Redelinghuys added that more should be done to educate the public about the potential dangers of contracting the virus.
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“HPV-related cancers create the biggest risk because there is a lack of awareness and education around the virus. Many people are not aware of the risks associated with HPV and may not understand the importance of getting vaccinated or getting regular screenings.
“We need to do more to educate people about HPV and its risks. This includes educating parents about the importance of vaccinating children of both sexes and providing accurate information about the vaccine and its safety.”
Women should start getting regular pap smears from the age of 21 and continue to do so every three years until the age of 65.
Regular pap smears can detect any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, which can indicate the presence of HPV or other types of cancer. Early detection is key to treating HPV-related cancers.
“The prognosis for cervical cancer in patients where we detect it early is very good. “We can remove the abnormal cells, the areas of infection by HPV or by the strains that are causing cervical cancer.
And we are able to give a person a return to an almost normal, well, basically normal lifestyle with minimally invasive and minimally invasive procedure.”
Prevention is better than cure, as the adage goes, and Redelinghuys emphasised the importance of safe sex. “Engaging in protected sex – whether it’s genital, oral, anal or whatever – is important to protect oneself.”
In addition to HPV, he warned that several other sexually transmitted, bacterial infections were on the increase.
“We also have some bacterial infections that are becoming a problem, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. If you see symptoms, or been with a partner who has tested positive for one of these, it is important to get treatment as early as possible to prevent passing it on.”
ALSO READ: Another round of cancer vaccination for girls kicks off in Gauteng
– news@citizen.co.za
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