Report on Oral Sex and Throat Cancer Risk

A recent disclosure from a doctor has pointed to the number of oral sex partners contributing to an increased risk of throat cancer.

Frank Lane, a father of two, felt unwell and discovered an egg-sized lump on his neck. Initially attributing it to overexertion at the gym, he delayed seeking help but eventually visited his GP two weeks later.

During the appointment, doctors found a mass on Lane’s tonsils, which was later confirmed to be throat cancer following a biopsy. They informed him that his condition was likely linked to HPV, which he contracted about 40 years ago from oral sex.

Upon hearing the diagnosis, Lane was skeptical. “When they said I had throat cancer, I thought he was talking a load of rubbish,” he said, although he has since been cleared of the disease.

Reflecting on his experience, he mentioned that his coworkers laughed, not out of insensitivity, but more due to the details of how it happened. “I told them to Google it and saw the color drain from their faces,” he recalled.

The Association Between Oral Sex and Throat Cancer

Research in recent years has indicated a possible connection between oral sex and oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the middle part of the throat where the tonsils are located. This type of cancer can either be negative or positive for HPV.

HPV, a skin virus transmitted through sexual activity, can impact various body areas, including the mouth and throat. A medical professional explained that the likelihood of developing HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer can be influenced by the number of sexual partners one has had.

According to Dr. Hisham Mehanna, those 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. This finding suggests that frequency matters less than the number of partners.

The NHS also notes that HPV can be contracted through non-penetrative sex, skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, or sharing sex toys.

While many individuals may not exhibit symptoms, in some instances, the virus can lead to cancer. Lane humorously recalled his younger days, saying, “I was sexually active around 20, but I wasn’t with loads of different girls.” He added that if he were given the chance to be with celebrities, like Kylie Minogue or Demi Moore, he’d turn them down after what he’s been through.

For anyone affected by similar issues and seeking support, Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line is available at 0808 808 00 00, from 8 am to 8 pm every day.