Discover the Shocking Reason Why Throat Cancer is on the Rise — And Yes, Even Celebs Like Katy Perry and Michael Douglas Are Doing It!
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In recent years, we've seen a concerning uptick in the number of throat cancer cases in countries like the UK and the US. This surge has been so significant that some experts are referring to it as an epidemic. While smoking has long been associated with various forms of cancer, including those affecting the throat, there's a new potential culprit that's garnering attention: oral sex.
The connection between oral sex and throat cancer may come as a surprise to many, but it's a topic that's gaining traction in the medical community. Heart Radio presenter Jamie Theakston's recent diagnosis of stage one laryngeal cancer, which he revealed after listeners noticed a change in his voice, has brought this issue to the forefront of public discussion.
Cancer Research UK has reported that since the early 1990s, the incidence rates of throat cancer have increased by more than a third (35%) in the UK. In the US, there are around 71,100 new cases of head and neck cancers each year. But what's behind this alarming trend?
The answer may lie in the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that is typically spread through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. While HPV is often harmless and carried by many people without any issues, certain strains of the virus can lead to cancer. Dr Hisham Mehanna from the UK's University of Birmingham has stated that 70% of throat cancer cases are caused by HPV, which has been linked to multiple forms of cancer.
The risk of developing throat cancer, also known as oropharyngeal cancer, is significantly higher in individuals with multiple oral sex partners. Such individuals may face up to a nine-fold increased risk. This is because oral sex can lead to an HPV infection in the back of the throat or near the tonsils, areas particularly susceptible to the virus.
It's important to note that oropharyngeal cancers affect men more than women, and it's not yet clear whether cunnilingus (oral sex performed on a woman) or fellatio (oral sex performed on a man) carries a higher risk of HPV transmission. However, research indicates that the vast majority of men (85.4%) and women (83.2%) engage in oral sex during intimate encounters.
Celebrities are not immune to this issue. Pop star Katy Perry candidly discussed the topic on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, and Hollywood legend Michael Douglas has publicly attributed his mouth cancer diagnosis to performing oral sex. These high-profile cases have helped to shed light on the connection between oral sex and cancer risk.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine for HPV that is highly effective and widely available in the developed world. The vaccine is typically administered as a two-dose series for children between the ages of 11 and 12, with the shots spaced 12 months apart. For those who missed this window, a three-dose series is available for individuals aged 15 to 26.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine to school children in England and Wales, and later to boys in 2019, has had a profound impact on reducing the rates of head and neck cancers. In the US, a study involving more than 5 million men and women showed that rates dropped from 6.3 cases to 2.8 cases per 100,000 men.
As we continue to understand more about the link between HPV and throat cancer, it's crucial to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and vaccination. NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, emphasises the significance of talking about cancer and recognising signs and symptoms. Early detection can lead to successful treatment, and with more cancers being diagnosed at an early stage than ever before, survival rates are at an all-time high.
If you have any concerns or symptoms that worry you, it's vital to visit your GP and participate in screening appointments when offered. Remember, knowledge is power, and staying informed about the risks and preventative measures can help save lives.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Have you or someone you know been affected by throat cancer? What are your views on the HPV vaccine? Join the conversation below, and let's discuss the importance of awareness and prevention in the fight against cancer.
The connection between oral sex and throat cancer may come as a surprise to many, but it's a topic that's gaining traction in the medical community. Heart Radio presenter Jamie Theakston's recent diagnosis of stage one laryngeal cancer, which he revealed after listeners noticed a change in his voice, has brought this issue to the forefront of public discussion.
Throat cancer incidence rates have increased by over a third in the UK since the early 1990s, with a rise in diagnoses also noted in the US. Credit: Shutterstock
Cancer Research UK has reported that since the early 1990s, the incidence rates of throat cancer have increased by more than a third (35%) in the UK. In the US, there are around 71,100 new cases of head and neck cancers each year. But what's behind this alarming trend?
The answer may lie in the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that is typically spread through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. While HPV is often harmless and carried by many people without any issues, certain strains of the virus can lead to cancer. Dr Hisham Mehanna from the UK's University of Birmingham has stated that 70% of throat cancer cases are caused by HPV, which has been linked to multiple forms of cancer.
The risk of developing throat cancer, also known as oropharyngeal cancer, is significantly higher in individuals with multiple oral sex partners. Such individuals may face up to a nine-fold increased risk. This is because oral sex can lead to an HPV infection in the back of the throat or near the tonsils, areas particularly susceptible to the virus.
It's important to note that oropharyngeal cancers affect men more than women, and it's not yet clear whether cunnilingus (oral sex performed on a woman) or fellatio (oral sex performed on a man) carries a higher risk of HPV transmission. However, research indicates that the vast majority of men (85.4%) and women (83.2%) engage in oral sex during intimate encounters.
Celebrities are not immune to this issue. Pop star Katy Perry candidly discussed the topic on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, and Hollywood legend Michael Douglas has publicly attributed his mouth cancer diagnosis to performing oral sex. These high-profile cases have helped to shed light on the connection between oral sex and cancer risk.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine for HPV that is highly effective and widely available in the developed world. The vaccine is typically administered as a two-dose series for children between the ages of 11 and 12, with the shots spaced 12 months apart. For those who missed this window, a three-dose series is available for individuals aged 15 to 26.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine to school children in England and Wales, and later to boys in 2019, has had a profound impact on reducing the rates of head and neck cancers. In the US, a study involving more than 5 million men and women showed that rates dropped from 6.3 cases to 2.8 cases per 100,000 men.
As we continue to understand more about the link between HPV and throat cancer, it's crucial to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and vaccination. NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, emphasises the significance of talking about cancer and recognising signs and symptoms. Early detection can lead to successful treatment, and with more cancers being diagnosed at an early stage than ever before, survival rates are at an all-time high.
If you have any concerns or symptoms that worry you, it's vital to visit your GP and participate in screening appointments when offered. Remember, knowledge is power, and staying informed about the risks and preventative measures can help save lives.
