Understanding HPV and the Importance of Prevention

Human Papilloma Virus, commonly known as HPV, remains one of the most common yet widely misunderstood health issues affecting communities. We spoke to Onalenna Thobega, a registered nurse from the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), to unpack the realities of HPV, the stigma surrounding it, and the importance of vaccination and early prevention.

HPV is a virus that is often associated only with sexual transmission. However, Onalenna explained that HPV is a skin to skin virus and can be transmitted through different forms of contact. She highlighted that there are more than 100 strains of HPV, with some considered low-risk and others classified as high-risk because of their links to certain cancers.One of the biggest misconceptions is that HPV only affects women. While HPV is strongly associated with cervical cancer, Onalenna  adressed that both men and women can carry the virus. This is why conversations around HPV vaccination should include boys as well as girls.

The HPV vaccine is available to children from around the age of nine, with vaccination programmes targeting young people before they may be exposed to the virus. Thobega explained that the purpose of vaccinating children is prevention and protection before possible exposure.

However, stigma and misinformation continue to influence parents' decisions about vaccination. Some parents may believe that giving a child the HPV vaccine encourages early sexual activity. Thobega said that education is key to addressing these concerns and helping parents understand that vaccination is primarily about preventing HPV-related diseases and cancers.

She also identified a lack of health education as one of the major barriers to HPV prevention in communities. Language barriers and limited access to reliable health information can make it difficult for some parents to understand what HPV is and why vaccination matters.

For Onalenna, one of the best ways to tackle these challenges is to normalise conversations about HPV. Schools, healthcare workers, community programmes and media platforms such as radio can all play a role in providing accurate information. She encouraged people who are uncertain about HPV to visit their nearest clinic and speak to healthcare professionals rather than relying on myths and misinformation.

CANSA also contributes to awareness through community outreach programmes, health talks, campaigns and screening initiatives. These activities provide opportunities to educate communities about different types of cancer and the role HPV can play in cancer development.

Thobega's message to listeners was simple, "prevention is better than cure." She encouraged people to get vaccinated where eligible and for women to attend regular cervical screening, including Pap smears, as part of early detection and prevention.She also clarified that an HPV diagnosis does not mean there is no treatment available. Treatment depends on the individual's condition and the extent of the infection.

As conversations about HPV continue, education remains one of the most important tools in breaking the stigma. Understanding that HPV is not exclusively a sexually transmitted infection, that it can affect both men and women, and that vaccination can help prevent HPV-related cancers can empower communities to make informed health decisions.

The message from today’s conversation is clear. Talk about HPV, learn the facts, get vaccinated where appropriate, and prioritise regular screening. Prevention starts with knowledge.For more information about HPV, cancer prevention and screening, listeners can visit the Cancer Association of South Africa at cancer.org.za or contact its toll-free helpline on 0800 22 66 22. 

Written by Oyisa Ntlombe