Oral sex is fueling an “epidemic” of throat cancer, surpassing cervical cancer in prevalence in the UK and US, according to experts. Dr. Hisham Mehanna from the University of Birmingham highlights a specific type—oropharyngeal cancer—linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). “Over the past two decades, there has been a rapid increase in throat cancer in the West,” Mehanna noted, with HPV as the primary cause.

HPV, a group of over 100 viruses, usually causes no harm but can lead to genital warts or cancer in some cases, according to the NHS. Mehanna explains, “The main risk factor is the number of partners someone has had oral sex with.” Those with six or more lifetime oral sex partners are 8.5 times more likely to develop oropharyngeal cancer.

Most people clear HPV infections naturally, but a small minority can’t due to immune system defects. “In those patients, the virus replicates continuously, integrating into the host’s DNA and potentially causing cancer,” Mehanna wrote.

Around 80% of UK adults report having had oral sex, yet only a small fraction develop the disease. The NHS reports that throat cancer accounts for about 8,300 diagnoses annually in the UK, with most cases occurring in adults over 55. Fortunately, Mehanna reassures that the majority of HPV infections don’t lead to cancer.

Oral sex is a topic that is often not openly discussed, but recent research is shedding light on its potential connection to throat cancer. Dr. Hisham Mehanna from the University of Birmingham has identified a specific type of throat cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, that is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This type of cancer is on the rise in the West, surpassing cervical cancer in prevalence in both the UK and US.

HPV is a group of viruses that can lead to genital warts or cancer in some cases. According to the NHS, the main risk factor for developing oropharyngeal cancer is the number of oral sex partners a person has had. Those with six or more lifetime partners are at a significantly higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

While most people are able to clear HPV infections naturally, a small minority are unable to do so due to immune system defects. In these cases, the virus can replicate continuously, integrating into the host’s DNA and potentially leading to cancer. This is why it is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with oral sex and take precautions to protect oneself.

Despite the rising numbers of oropharyngeal cancer cases, it is important to note that the majority of HPV infections do not lead to cancer. In fact, around 80% of UK adults report having had oral sex, yet only a small fraction develop throat cancer. The NHS reports around 8,300 diagnoses of throat cancer annually in the UK, with most cases occurring in adults over the age of 55.

It is essential to stay informed about the potential risks associated with oral sex and to take steps to protect oneself. Regular screenings and practicing safe sex can help reduce the risk of developing HPV-related cancers. By raising awareness about this issue, we can work towards preventing the spread of throat cancer and promoting overall health and well-being.