Beware of 69!
The incidence of throat cancer, particularly oropharyngeal cancer, is on the rise globally, and experts are pointing to a surprising culprit: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), spread primarily through oral sex. HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection, has long been known to cause cervical cancer, but its connection to throat cancer is becoming increasingly evident.
Researchers are warning that without increased awareness and preventive measures, this worrying trend could grow into a public health crisis.
Oropharyngeal cancers affect the middle part of the throat, including the tonsils and the base of the tongue. In the past, smoking and heavy alcohol consumption were the leading causes of these cancers. However, recent studies show that HPV infections are now responsible for up to 70% of these cases. What’s alarming is the rapid increase in HPV-related cancers, particularly among younger individuals who are otherwise non-smokers.
HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including during oral sex. As more people engage in this form of sexual activity, the spread of HPV has become more rampant, leading to a corresponding rise in throat cancer cases. Dr. Hisham Mehanna, a leading UK expert in head and neck surgery, notes, “We are seeing a substantial rise in HPV-linked throat cancers, particularly in younger, otherwise healthy patients. This change is alarming and requires immediate attention to prevention efforts.”
Vaccination offers a powerful tool in preventing HPV-related cancers.
The HPV vaccine, commonly administered to prevent cervical cancer, is also effective against the strains of the virus that cause throat cancer. Despite its availability, vaccination rates remain low, particularly among boys and men, who are increasingly at risk for oropharyngeal cancers. Experts are advocating for broader vaccination campaigns, aiming to vaccinate adolescents before they become sexually active, which could significantly reduce future cancer cases.
Aside from vaccinations, experts urge people to adopt safer sexual practices and undergo regular screenings for early detection. “We are seeing younger patients, some as young as their late 30s, who never smoked a day in their lives but are presenting with advanced throat cancers,” said Dr. Mehanna. This shift in the patient demographic has shocked many within the medical community, who traditionally associated throat cancer with older, heavy smokers.
On the other hand, a Nigerian health expert Dr. Adedayo Osibogun adds, “The awareness about HPV’s link to throat cancer is still limited in Nigeria. We need to educate the public, not just about cervical cancer but about the risks HPV poses through other forms of contact, including oral sex. This needs to be addressed through both education and vaccination to prevent future cases.”
Taking Preventative Action
HPV-related cancers can be slow to develop, often taking years or even decades after infection. The lack of symptoms in the early stages makes it particularly dangerous. Many patients do not realize they have cancer until they experience persistent sore throats, difficulty swallowing, or lumps in the neck. By this time, the cancer may have already spread, making treatment more challenging and less effective.
Globally, health organizations are sounding the alarm about this issue. Recent studies show that in the United States alone, oropharyngeal cancer caused by HPV is now more common than cervical cancer. In the UK, experts have called for increased public awareness and education about the risks of oral sex and the importance of HPV vaccinations. It’s clear that without coordinated public health efforts, the number of cases will continue to rise.
The link between HPV and throat cancer represents a shift in our understanding of sexually transmitted infections and their long-term consequences.
While vaccines and safer sex practices can help reduce the spread of HPV, greater efforts are needed to raise awareness of this hidden danger. As experts continue to study this growing problem, the message is clear: prevention and early detection are key to stopping the rise in HPV-related throat cancer.
