Over the past 20 years, the number of throat cancer cases has rapidly risen, leading some to label it an epidemic. Oral sex has been cited as a key contributor to this rise, with some experts arguing it poses a greater risk than smoking.
In the UK and the US, throat cancer is now more prevalent than cervical cancer, according to experts. This increase is largely attributed to oropharyngeal cancer, a specific type of head and neck cancer.
Oropharyngeal cancer affects the base of the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, and the back and sides of the throat. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), the same virus responsible for cervical cancer.
HPV, a common group of viruses, is known for being harmless in most cases, though certain strains can lead to genital warts or cancer. The virus typically affects the skin, with over 100 known types.
Dr. Hisham Mehanna from the University of Birmingham stated that people with multiple oral sex partners are over eight times more likely to develop throat cancer. He emphasized that the rapid rise in throat cancer in the West over the past two decades has led some to call it an epidemic.
HPV infection is considered the leading risk factor for this type of cancer. The theory is that while most people can clear HPV infections from their system, a few individuals are unable to do so due to immune system issues. In these cases, the virus may continue replicating and eventually integrate into the host’s DNA, potentially causing cancer.
Dr. Mehanna explained that the number of oral sex partners is a key risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer. Those with six or more lifetime oral sex partners have an 8.5 times greater chance of developing the disease than those who do not engage in oral sex.
Studies show that oral sex is common in many countries, with 80% of adults reporting having practiced it. Despite this, only a small fraction of these individuals will develop oropharyngeal cancer.
In the UK, around 8,300 people are diagnosed with throat cancer each year, accounting for about 1 in 50 cancer diagnoses. More than two-thirds of mouth cancer cases occur in adults over 55, while just 12.5% are in those under 50.
Doctors have identified oral sex as the largest risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer, surpassing smoking, alcohol use, and poor diet. HPV, which is spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, is a significant cause.
A vaccine that is over 80% effective is available and widely distributed. In the UK, government data reveals that 67.3% of girls and 62.4% of boys complete the two-dose HPV vaccination schedule by Year 9.
