Sean Cate

Sean Cate

January 20, 2025

Oral Sex and Throat Cancer: The Hidden Connection You Need to Know

The medical community has observed an alarming trend in recent decades – a significant surge in throat cancer cases across Western nations, particularly a variant known as oropharyngeal cancer. While historically linked to tobacco and alcohol use, emerging research has unveiled a surprising connection to human papillomavirus (HPV) and sexual behavior.

The HPV-Cancer Connection

a medical sampling device
Credit: Unsplash

“HPV can spread during oral sex, increasing the possibility of cancer. In the United States, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus”. Dr. Neil Gross, director of clinical research at MD Anderson Cancer Center, emphasizes that “HPV is the leading risk factor for all throat cancer in most developed countries”.

Research has shown that approximately 70% of oropharyngeal cancer cases in the United States can be attributed to HPV infection. While the overall lifetime risk remains relatively low – 0.7% for men and 0.2% for women – certain behavioral factors can significantly increase these odds.

Read More: Is Cancer Reversible? New Treatment May Transform Cancer Cells into Healthy Ones

Understanding the Risks

The oropharynx is middle section of the throat (pharynx).
Credit: Wikimedia Commons

A groundbreaking study revealed that individuals with six or more lifetime oral-sex partners face an 8.5 times higher risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer compared to those who don’t engage in oral sex. More recent research published in Cancer journal demonstrated that having five or more lifetime oral sex partners increased cancer odds by 2.5-fold, while ten or more partners raised the risk 4.3-fold.

Dr. Matin Imanguli of the Rutgers Cancer Institute explains, “If you have oral sex partners with increasing numbers, you’re at an increased risk of having HPV infection of the throat”. However, it’s crucial to understand that infection doesn’t guarantee cancer development. “Most people catch HPV infections and are able to clear them completely. 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”.

Prevention and Protection

banana with a condom on
Credit: Unsplash

The medical community emphasizes several preventive measures. The HPV vaccine, initially promoted for cervical cancer prevention, has shown promise in preventing oral HPV infections. “If the HPV vaccine is administered before exposure to HPV, it can protect against infection with the high-risk strains associated with throat cancers,” notes Dr. George Yang.

Additional risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition. Dr. Gross advises that “avoiding risky behaviors, including tobacco and alcohol – except in moderation – are the best ways to avoid head and neck cancer, including throat cancer”.

Read More: 7 Life Hacks Supported By Science To Help Combat Cancer

Early warning signs may include:

  • Persistent mouth sores or ulcers lasting over three weeks
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chronic sore throat or voice changes
  • Unexplained neck lumps
  • Persistent one-sided earache

As our understanding of this connection continues to evolve, healthcare providers emphasize the importance of prevention through vaccination and regular medical screenings, particularly for those at higher risk.