A father of two, who was shocked to learn he has throat cancer, found himself reeling after doctors suggested the cause might be linked to oral sex.
Jeff Bradford expressed his surprise, recounting that the origin of his cancer could be traced back to a partner from many years ago. “I’ve had a few partners before I met my wife,” he reflected, “but you never really think about the long-term consequences. You just live your life.” It’s hard to fathom that a choice made decades earlier might lead to something as serious as cancer in your 50s.
A former corporal in the Royal Air Force, Jeff first noticed symptoms in March 2016 while renovating his gym. Initially, he brushed off a sore throat, attributing it to dust exposure despite wearing a mask. He tried his go-to remedies, but two weeks later, the soreness persisted.
Eventually, he visited his GP. This doctor diagnosed him with “classic tonsillitis” and prescribed antibiotics, but after a second opinion from another physician, he was referred to a specialist, who noticed a concerning mass in his throat.
“I couldn’t see it, but I could definitely feel something,” Jeff shared. “It was unsettling, almost like something was tickling the back of my tongue.”
During the follow-up, the surgeon informed him that the mass had doubled in size and recommended immediate removal of what turned out to be a thumb-sized tumor.
‘It’s probably been in your body for over 30 years’
After a lengthy surgery, lab tests confirmed that Jeff had stage-three throat cancer, attributed to HPV16, a virus often transmitted through sexual contact. HPV, or human papillomavirus, can have varied effects on the body, including changes in the cells of the cervix as well as the throat, although more research is needed in that area.
Doctors explained to Jeff that he might have contracted the virus many years ago, even before he met his wife, Heidi. In the aftermath of his diagnosis, he underwent chemotherapy and 35 rounds of radiation therapy. Today, a decade later, he’s cancer-free and urges others with persistent symptoms to seek medical attention.
Reflecting on his journey, Jeff recounted his confusion upon learning about HPV’s connection to his condition. “I didn’t even know what that was,” he noted. “When they say it can lie dormant for so long, it’s just shocking. It’s luck of the draw.” He emphasized how one might not ever expect, especially when younger, that certain actions could lead to cancer later on.
He reassured others that he would never advise anyone to stop engaging in oral sex. “It’s such a normal part of intimacy,” he insisted, adding that discussions around such topics are crucial. “If we don’t talk candidly about it, it can lead to missed diagnoses. If someone has a continuous sore throat, it’s important they push for answers.”
This issue isn’t entirely new; actor Michael Douglas also attributed his throat cancer to oral sex, identifying a similar link to HPV. After facing his own months-long battle, Douglas emerged successfully tumor-free.
If you or someone you know is dealing with similar health concerns, there are resources available for support. It’s important to stay informed and proactive in your health journey.
