Sexually active persons prone to Human Papillomavirus, STIs, cancer

Madam Edith Asare-Mensah

The Principal Nursing Officer of Ledzokuku Metro Health Directorate, Mrs. Edith Asare-Mensah, has said anyone who has ever had sex is prone to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer.

She said the virus is commonly spread through sexual contact with an aching sore or smelling milky discharge from the sexual organs as common symptoms that could be noted.

Speaking on the Ultimate Health programme on Joy FM, she said at least four out of five persons are diagnosed with the virus at some stages of their lives with the virus, constituting a part of the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) that can lead to serious complications such as infertility, cervical cancer, pregnancy complications, birth defects and even death.

In many countries, she said, STIs and their complications are very common and are ranked in the top five disease categories for which adults seek health care. Unfortunately, STIs are also very common amongst adolescents and young adults.

Touching on the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), she said the virus is the leading cause of cervical cancer among sexually active women and girls who have attained the stage of menstruation.

An HPV infected female, she said, has up to eight years interval to treat herself, adding that the infection can generate into cervical cancer if the carrier does not seek treatment before 10 years.

She therefore advised sexually active persons including persons with multiple sexual partners to go for a test in the nearest health centre and be wary of their lifestyle.

She said it is very sad and heartbreaking that in Ghana and some part of Africa, people find it difficult to discuss family life, sex, STIs and their complications with their children.

She however pleaded with parents and guardians to be bold enough to educate their children on STIs and sex since many STIs show no initial signs but continue to cause serious health challenges in carriers.