Every February 4th, the world stops to remember something many people prefer to ignore: cancer exists, and pretending it doesn’t won’t make it disappear. But relax, we’re not going to turn this into a dramatic TV campaign speech. We’re going to talk in a real, straightforward way and, above all, about a topic that everyone who enjoys sex should pay attention to: sexual health and cancer prevention.
Let’s agree on something: talking about cancer isn’t sexy. But you know what’s even less sexy? Discovering a problem too late because you were embarrassed to go to the doctor. And when we talk about sexual health, that embarrassment becomes an even bigger monster.
Cervical cancer, penile cancer, testicular cancer, anal cancer all of them are directly related to your sex life and, above all, to their prevention. And no, we’re not talking about “divine punishment” or “disease of those who live badly”. We’re talking about biology, sexually transmitted viruses (yes, HPV is in the mix) and basic self-care.
HPV: the unwanted guest that shows up unannounced
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: HPV (Human Papillomavirus). This virus is so common that most sexually active people will come into contact with it at some point in their lives. The good news? In most cases, the body eliminates it on its own. The bad news? In some cases, it decides to camp out and can cause cancer.
Cervical cancer, throat cancer, anal cancer a good part of them have HPV as the main villain. But here’s the plot twist: there’s a vaccine for this. Yes, a vaccine. That thing that prevents diseases before they happen. Amazing, right? If you’re sexually active and have never gotten it, get moving. Your future self will thank you.
Condoms never go out of style
Since we’re on the topic, shall we talk about condoms? Yes, that latex that many say “reduces sensation”. Well, you know what else reduces sensation? Cancer, untreated STIs, and that eternal regret of not having taken care of yourself.
Condoms don’t prevent everything (HPV can be in areas it doesn’t cover), but they GREATLY reduce the risk of various STIs that can cause serious complications in the future, including cancers. And look, if you work in sex or have an active sex life with multiple partners, this isn’t optional, it’s mandatory.
Regular checkups: the investment nobody taught you to make
Pap smears for women. Digital rectal exam and prostate exam for men (yes, talking about “ass” here isn’t taboo, it’s a medical necessity). Testicular self-exam. Regular checkups. All of this literally saves lives.
But people love booking trips, buying clothes, getting tattoos, and when it’s time to book a doctor’s appointment? “Ah, I’ll see about it later”. Later might be too late, dear.
If you’re a sex worker, if you have an active sex life, if you simply EXIST and have genitals: go to the doctor regularly. It’s not being fussy, it’s being responsible to yourself.
Skokka and health: we care, yes
Here at Skokka, we believe that pleasure and responsibility go hand in hand. There’s no point in enjoying your sexuality if you’re not taking care of your health. And taking care of sexual health isn’t just using condoms, it’s getting tested, getting vaccinated, getting informed and, above all, not being ashamed to seek medical help.
Sex workers know this better than anyone: health is a work tool. But even those who don’t work in sex need to understand that their body is their instrument of pleasure, and taking care of it is taking care of their quality of life.
World Cancer Day exists to remind us that prevention is always better than treatment. And when it comes to sexual health, this is doubly true.
HPV vaccine? Get it. Condom? Use it. Regular checkups? Do them. Self-care? Practice it.
Because good sex is safe sex. And a good life is a life with health.
