Health Study Links Oral Sex and Cancer

A new study has determined engaging in oral sex raises the risk of throat cancer. By transmitting the human pappiloma virus (HPV) between partners, researchers warn the public that oral sexual activity may lead to oropharyngeal cancer. Scientists say that the HPV exchange increases the chances of developing cancer even more than smoking and drinking.

During the study, researchers gathered participants who had more than 6 oral partners over the course of the sexually active life. The research concludes the chance of developing the HPV virus are over 8 times more likely among the participants than persons who have never had an oral encounter. However, smoking or drinking raise the risk of throat cancer by only 3 times and 2.5 times, respectively.

The New England Journal Of Medicine reports the study, and advises men to wear condoms during oral sex to reduce their partner's risk of infection.

Based at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, researcher Dr Gypsyamber D'Souza believes, "It is important to know that people without the traditional risk factors of tobacco and alcohol use can nevertheless be at risk of oropharyngeal cancer."

Dr Maura Gillison, co-author adds, "People should be reassured that oropharyngeal cancer is relatively uncommon, and the overwhelming majority of people with an oral HPV infection probably will not get throat cancer."

The Cancer UK center reports, "There are about 80 different types of human papilloma virus. Certain types of HPV, found in women with cervical cancer, are found in the mouths of between 20 and 30 out of every 100 people (20 - 30%) diagnosed with oral cancer. But the same type of HPV is found in the mouths of 10 out of every 100 people (10%) who do not have oral cancer. HPV may be a risk factor, but there are obviously other factors at work."

Oropharyngeal cancer has an estimated 123,000 new cases reported world wide each year with approximately 79,000 reports of death related to the disease. Each year the UK reports close to 7,600 new cases and 7,400 deaths associated with oropharylngeal cancer.

A new antibiotic, GARDASIL has been helpful in guarding against the HPV viruses, types 6, 11, 16, and 18. While GADASIL will not protect against other HPV types, its development began the groundbreaking fight which protects patients with HPV, by reducing the risk of the virus turning to cancer. Studies continue to determine the links to various cancers associated with HPV.