Health experts are sounding alarms over the surge in throat cancer diagnoses, linking it to oral sex behaviors.
The Mesothelioma Centre reports that approximately 54,010 adults in the United States will face oral and oropharyngeal cancer, with men being at a higher risk than women.
The National Cancer Institute points out that smoking and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are significant risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer, which occurs in the area near the tonsils and the back of the throat.
HPV, a collection of over 100 viruses, is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most individuals can clear the infection without severe issues, but in some cases, it can lead to warts or cancer.
Dr Hisham Mehanna from the University of Birmingham in the UK has noted a steep increase in throat cancer diagnoses over the last twenty years, emphasizing that having multiple oral sex partners elevates the risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer.
“Over the past two decades, there has been a rapid increase in throat cancer in the West, to the extent that some have called it an epidemic,” he wrote in The Conversation on April 25.
“The prevailing theory is that most of us catch HPV infections and are able to clear them completely,” Mehanna added.
“However, a small number of people are not able to get rid of the infection, maybe due to a defect in a particular aspect of their immune system. In those patients, the virus is able to replicate continuously, and over time integrates at random positions into the host’s DNA, some of which can cause the host cells to become cancerous.”
Dr. Mehanna highlighted that the number of oral sex partners is a ‘main risk factor’ for cancer development.
He stated that individuals with six or more oral-sex partners are ‘8.5 times more likely to develop oropharyngeal cancer’ compared to those who abstain from oral sex.
Beyond oral sex, tobacco use, whether smoked or chewed, and excessive alcohol consumption are also linked to rising throat cancer rates.
The Mayo Clinic also notes that individuals with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), those suffering from Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and those exposed to hazardous substances at work are at heightened risk of throat cancer.
While complete prevention of throat cancer is not guaranteed, experts recommend moderating alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and adopting a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Protecting against HPV is also advised, which includes limiting sexual partners and consistently using condoms during intercourse.
The HPV vaccine, with over 80 percent efficacy, is widely accessible.
If these concerns affect you and you wish to discuss them confidentially, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat, available around the clock every day of the year.