Health. Papillomavirus: Raising awareness and deconstructing preconceived ideas to save lives
Green June is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. But it's also an opportunity to raise awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV), the viruses that cause this cancer. While the link between HPV and cervical cancer is now well known, many people are unaware that this virus is also responsible for other cancers, such as anal, penile, vaginal, and aerodigestive cancers, as well as other debilitating conditions such as condylomas (ano-genital warts) and Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP).
HPV affects 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives. Although most infections caused by this virus resolve spontaneously, it causes many cancers, including but not limited to cervical cancer.
" We forget that this virus attacks other mucous membranes: the penis, vulva, vagina, anus, and throat. Men are therefore also affected ," warns Laure Roulle, founder of the No Taboo association and spokesperson for the Demain sans HPV collective.
A recent IPSOS barometer for MSD shows that 3 out of 4 parents know that HPV can cause cervical cancer. But only 22% make the connection with anal cancer, even though it's on the rise. A telling discrepancy.
Genital warts are also a consequence of HPV. Common (100,000 cases are recorded each year) and highly contagious, they can appear shortly after contaminating intimate contact.
They are certainly benign from a medical perspective, but their recurrence rate is high and the pain is significant. The psychological impact is often significant: embarrassment, shame, fear of transmitting the disease, with repercussions on emotional and sexual life. These very real consequences are a reminder of how essential better information about HPV and prevention methods is.
Better information, without moralizing" For a long time, the discourse focused on women and generated fear. Today, we need to change our tone ," insists Laure Roulle.
" Because no, it's never 'too late' to get vaccinated: vaccination remains effective, even after the start of sexual activity. And no, HPV doesn't only affect young girls. We need a clear, consistent message that speaks to young people and their parents, without making them feel guilty. It's by speaking consistently that we will be heard ."
Healthcare professionals have a major role to play: doctors, pharmacists, nurses, etc. " They are the pillars of information and awareness. " Not to mention teachers. " Their support is invaluable in supporting the vaccination campaign now offered in middle schools. "
Photo Adobe Stock
As part of Green June, the Demain sans HPV collective is launching a Papillomavirus Awareness Week from June 9 to 15. " Our goal is to create a media, educational, and civic event focused on this virus. "
Thus, on Monday, June 9, fun and informative cards, validated by learned societies, will be distributed in partner pharmacies. " On Tuesday, June 10, a campaign will be launched on social media about gynecological cancers. Wednesday, June 11, is PRR Awareness Day. During this week, we will also organize a discussion session aimed at breaking down taboos surrounding ENT and anal cancers. "
This will be followed by conferences, workshops and the “Betterfly” charity festival (June 14 in Rueil Malmaison) to raise awareness through music .
A simple but essential message" Vaccination and prevention are the two pillars of our actions. To save lives, we need to talk more about HPV, everywhere, to everyone, and frankly . Changing perceptions, breaking down preconceived ideas, creating links between healthcare professionals, teachers, associations and the general public... This is the ambition of our collective, which is campaigning for a future without cancers caused by HPV ."
Le Progres
