There’s been a big shift in the world of cancer research — and it’s catching the attention of doctors in both the US and UK. A specific type of throat cancer, called oropharyngeal cancer, is now more common than cervical cancer in some places, and experts say the cause is largely tied to oral sex.
According to Dr. Hisham Mehanna from the University of Birmingham, this type of throat cancer has been rising rapidly in the West over the last 20 years. He even describes it as an “epidemic.”
What’s Causing the Rise?
The main culprit? A virus called HPV (human papillomavirus) — the same one known for causing cervical cancer. It’s a sexually transmitted infection and can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Dr. Mehanna explains that people who have had six or more oral sex partners in their lifetime are 8.5 times more likely to develop oropharyngeal cancer compared to those who haven’t engaged in oral sex.
In the UK, about 80% of adults have had oral sex at some point, which helps explain the growing number of throat cancer cases. In fact, around 8,300 people are diagnosed with throat cancer each year in the UK, making up roughly 1 in every 50 cancers.
Why This Matters
Many people still think smoking or drinking are the main causes of throat cancer. But doctors now say that oral sex and HPV infections pose an even bigger risk.
Here’s how it works: When someone is infected with HPV — especially through oral sex — the virus can settle in the throat or near the tonsils. While most infections go away on their own, some stick around and lead to cancer years later.
What Can Be Done?
The good news? There’s a vaccine for HPV. It’s already widely available in many countries and can prevent over 80% of HPV-related infections — including those that lead to cancer.
In England, about 67.3% of girls and 62.4% of boys have received both doses of the HPV vaccine by Year 9 (around age 13-14). But experts say those numbers need to go up to fully protect future generations.
The Bottom Line
Throat cancer caused by HPV is becoming more common — but it’s also preventable. Getting vaccinated, practicing safe sex, and staying informed can all help reduce the risk.
It’s one of those rare moments in health news where prevention really is within reach — we just have to make the most of it.
Source:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uplo…
https://theconversation.com/oral-sex-is-now-the-leading-risk-factor-for…
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