A doctor has highlighted how oral sex can increase your risk of developing throat cancer, a disease that is primarily linked to the sexual act. According to the Mesothelioma Centre, around 54,010 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancer during their lifetime, with men being twice as likely as women to be affected.
While smoking is a well-known risk factor, another major contributor is the human papillomavirus (HPV)—a group of over 100 viruses and one of the most common sexually transmitted infections globally. Some HPV infections can lead to cancer, and according to a medical expert, having a higher number of oral sex partners increases the likelihood of developing oropharyngeal cancer.
Dr. Hisham Mehanna, from the University of Birmingham in the UK, wrote in The Conversation that cases of throat cancer have surged significantly in Western countries over the past two decades—so much so that it’s sometimes called an epidemic.
He explained, “Most people contract HPV at some point, but their immune system can usually clear the virus completely. However, a small number of individuals may have a specific immune system weakness, preventing them from eliminating the infection. In these cases, the virus can persist, replicate, and eventually integrate into random locations within the host’s DNA, which can trigger cells to turn cancerous.”
According to Dr. Mehanna, the most significant risk factor for developing this type of cancer is the number of oral sex partners a person has had. His research indicates that those who have had oral sex with six or more partners during their lifetime are 8.5 times more likely to develop oropharyngeal cancer than those who have not.
However, there’s no need for alarm—HPV can often be treated before it progresses to cancer. Many countries have implemented HPV vaccination programs for young women to prevent cervical cancer, and these vaccines are believed to also reduce HPV-related cancers in the mouth by limiting the spread of the virus. In areas where vaccine coverage for women exceeds 85%, young men also benefit through “herd immunity.”
If you notice any unusual symptoms or have concerns, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional. Regular testing is also a good idea if you’re sexually active and not using protection.
After all, prevention is key.