Nuns, who are typically perceived to be at low risk for sexually transmitted infections like HPV due to their celibate lifestyle, were part of a cervical cancer screening program in Ghana.
23.8% of them surprisingly tested positive for high-risk HPV strains.
This finding widens the thought process and myths behind HPV transmission.
It discredits the misconception that only sexually active individuals are at risk.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant global health concern, particularly because of its strong link to cervical cancer.
It is transmitted through sexual contact, but it can also spread via skin-to-skin contact
This is through shared hygiene tools or touching of infected areas.
HPV infections are common, with most sexually active people contracting the virus at some point in their lives—more than 90% of men and 80% of women.
However, most HPV infections are asymptomatic.
They clear up on their own within two years, but some can persist, leading to conditions such as genital warts or, more seriously, cervical, anal, and throat cancers.
It is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to screening.
The screening in Ghana was part of the “10,000 Women Initiative,” led by mPharma, aiming to reduce cervical cancer deaths by increasing awareness, vaccination, and screening services.
What does this mean?
While abstinence reduces the risk of HPV transmission, it does not eliminate it.
Nuns and other women who may not be sexually active can still contract HPV through indirect means.
It, therefore, needs key tools like universal vaccination and regular screenings to fight against HPV-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer.
The disease is preventable through vaccines, which are most effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity.
This is typically between the ages of 9 and 14.
The HPV vaccine protects against the most dangerous strains of the virus, including those responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.
For adults, regular screening methods, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, can detect early signs of infection or abnormal cell growth, which can be treated before they develop into cancer.
This unexpected outcome from the screening of nuns in Ghana could be a wake-up call for broader HPV prevention efforts.
It shows that traditional assumptions are wrong and emphasizes that no group is entirely immune to HPV infection.
