Medical experts have identified oral sex as the leading cause of throat cancer, surpassing smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet. The rise in oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the tonsils and back of the throat, has been linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, sparking what some are calling an epidemic.
Dr. Hisham Mehanna of the University of Birmingham explained that HPV infections are often cleared by the immune system, but a small number of individuals struggle to eliminate the virus, leading to its integration into their DNA and potentially causing cancer.
The number of oral sex partners significantly increases the risk, with individuals having six or more lifetime oral sex partners being 8.5 times more likely to develop throat cancer. Despite this, only a small percentage of those infected with HPV develop the disease.
In the UK alone, about 8,300 people are diagnosed with throat cancer annually, with most cases occurring in adults over 55. Vaccination against HPV has shown over 80% effectiveness in prevention, but coverage remains suboptimal, especially among teenagers.
Doctors emphasize the importance of vaccination and safe sexual practices to reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers.
