Medical researchers are raising serious concerns as rates of throat cancer continue to climb, with oral sex increasingly identified as a major contributing factor.
Data from the Mesothelioma Center estimates that approximately 54,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancers at some point in their lives. Men are found to be twice as likely as women to develop these forms of cancer.
Oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the tonsils and the back of the throat, has been closely associated with smoking and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. According to the National Cancer Institute, HPV is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections (STIs), made up of more than 100 different viruses.
While many people naturally fight off HPV without lasting effects, others may experience complications such as genital warts or even certain cancers.
Professor Hisham Mehanna of the University of Birmingham in the UK notes a sharp increase in oropharyngeal cancer cases in recent years. Writing for The Conversation, he describes how Western countries have seen throat cancer rise to what some are calling “epidemic” levels.
He explains that while the immune systems of most individuals are able to eliminate HPV, some people may have immune vulnerabilities that allow the virus to remain in the body. In such cases, the virus can embed itself in human DNA and potentially trigger cancerous mutations over time.
One key factor identified in Mehanna’s research is the number of oral sex partners a person has had. Those who have engaged in oral sex with six or more partners are reportedly 8.5 times more likely to develop oropharyngeal cancer compared to those who have not engaged in the practice.
While HPV is a major factor, other lifestyle habits—such as smoking, chewing tobacco, and heavy alcohol consumption—also elevate the risk of throat cancers. The Mayo Clinic further identifies conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and occupational exposure to harmful substances as additional risk factors.
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Though there’s no guaranteed way to prevent throat cancer, health professionals offer a variety of recommendations:
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Avoid tobacco products entirely
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Drink alcohol moderately, or not at all
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Follow a nutritious diet high in fruits and vegetables
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Reduce the number of sexual partners
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Practice safe sex using condoms
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Consider receiving the HPV vaccine, which has been shown to be over 80% effective
By being aware of risk factors and making informed health decisions, individuals can better protect themselves from this rising health threat.