Warning: This article discusses cancer, which may be distressing for some readers.
An expert has shed light on the reasons why men seem to be more affected by HPV-related oral cancers.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US. Although most infections clear up on their own, there are over 200 types of this virus, with around 14 linked to cancer.
The CDC indicates that nearly everyone who is sexually active will encounter at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. Approximately 10% of men and 3.6% of women are reported to carry it, but many manage to rid themselves of the virus within one to two years.
That said, it might take years—sometimes even decades—for the virus to lead to throat cancer, specifically oropharyngeal cancer.
Michael Douglas was diagnosed with throat cancer back in 2010. While he publicly mentioned that he thought it may be linked to oral sex, he also acknowledged additional risk factors like smoking and drinking.
Why are men more likely to have HPV-related cancer than women?
In the UK, about two-thirds of new HPV-related head and neck cancer cases are found in men.
Karis Betts, a cancer epidemiologist at Cancer Research UK, explained that “it can take decades” for HPV to manifest. She noted that studies show heterosexual women who have sex with men face a higher risk compared to those who solely engage with women. Additionally, men who have sex with men are at greater risk than heterosexual men.
The availability of the HPV vaccine up to age 40 for men who have sex with men is due to this increased risk.
“Men have higher rates of head and neck cancers than women; this is historically related to several risk factors,” she added. “Decades ago, men had much higher smoking and drinking rates, which are still more prevalent compared to women.”
She emphasized that factors like smoking and alcohol consumption play a far larger role in the incidence of head and neck cancers than HPV.
How can HPV-related throat cancer be prevented?
HPV spreads through close skin-to-skin contact such as vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as through shared sex toys. While condoms can offer some protection, they’re not foolproof.
“The primary measures against HPV in the broader population are vaccination and cervical screening,” Betts pointed out. Vaccines have the most efficacy when administered at an early age, ideally before individuals have encountered the virus.
For those concerned about cancer risk, she argues that the best preventative steps—especially for head and neck cancer—include quitting smoking and lowering alcohol consumption. “These changes will have a significantly larger impact on cancer risk than fretting over an HPV infection,” she noted.
Importantly, she conveyed, “the advice isn’t about stopping sexual activity. People should live their lives fully, and sex is a part of that.”
What are the symptoms of throat cancer?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of throat cancer may include:
- Persistent sore throat
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty opening the mouth or moving the tongue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant or unexplained ear pain
- A lump in the back of the throat or mouth
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Coughing up blood
- A persistent white patch on the tongue or inside the mouth
If you are dealing with any of these concerns and wish to talk to someone confidentially, please reach out to Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line at 0808 808 00 00, available from 8 am to 8 pm daily.
