Oral sex is now the main cause of throat cancer

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.

Related Posts

Public Health Figure Could Face Further Scrutiny Despite Legal Protections

A prominent public health advisor is once again at the center of political discourse, as recent remarks by a state governor have reignited discussions about the extent…

BREAKING: Elon Musk SHOCKS VIEWERS with UNEXPECTED RETALIATION Against ‘The View’ Hosts After They ATTACK His 4-Year-Old Son LIVE ON AIR… The Show Threatens Legal ACTION as Tensions ESCALATE!

In a jaw-dropping moment that has sent shockwaves through social media, Elon Musk found himself at the center of a heated controversy following a recent episode of The…

The Clash Between Karoline Leavitt and “The View”: A Crisis of Trust in Mainstream Media

A heated clash between White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and the hosts of ABC’s “The View” has ignited intense debate across media and social platforms. Leavitt’s…

Social Media Flooded with Heartfelt Tributes

Bill Cobbs, known for his roles in *The Bodyguard*, *Night at the Museum*, and *New Jack City*, passed away peacefully at his California home on June 25….

I took action when my ex-husband ignored me when I tried to warn him about his gold digger fiancée.

Something about my ex-husband’s engagement bothered me, even though he was eager to start a new chapter in his life. An ordinary conversation at work evolved into…

Why Short Women Make the PERFECT Wives

In addition to the seven marvels of the planet that leave you speechless, short women have a way of melting your heart. Consider a short-term partner as…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *