Health experts have identified oral sex as a significant factor in the rising number of throat cancer cases, largely due to the human papillomavirus (HPV).
UK radio presenter Jamie Theakston, 53, recently announced his diagnosis of stage one laryngeal cancer after listeners noticed changes in his voice. Theakston revealed that he will be stepping back from his role at Heart Radio for treatment.
Dr. Hisham Mehanna from the University of Birmingham highlighted that approximately 70% of throat cancer cases are linked to HPV. He noted that having multiple oral sex partners can increase the risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer up to ninefold. This trend has been described as a “throat cancer epidemic” in Western countries, with rates surging since the early 1990s.
HPV is commonly found on and around the genitals and usually causes no harm. However, it can sometimes invade body tissues and trigger cancerous cell changes. HPV 16 and 18 are particularly high-risk strains associated with throat cancer.
The UK and US both report high numbers of new throat cancer cases annually—about 12,800 in the UK and 71,100 in the US. In the UK, head and neck cancer rates have increased by more than a third since the early 1990s, according to Cancer Research UK.
Dr. Mehanna emphasized that while smoking and alcohol consumption have long been linked to head and neck cancers, HPV is now recognized as a major contributor. The virus can lead to various cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, and cervix.
Laryngeal cancer, which affects the voice box, is four times more common in men and is often diagnosed in those in their 60s. Symptoms include persistent hoarseness, pain when swallowing, and lumps in the neck. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, which are around 65% for five-year survival.
Amanda Holden, Theakston’s co-star, provided an update, expressing support for his positive outlook. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, stressed the importance of early detection and public awareness.
HPV vaccines, available for children and young adults, have proven effective in reducing rates of head and neck cancers. The vaccine, offered to both boys and girls in many developed countries, has contributed to a significant decline in cancer rates.
Research shows that HPV is linked to several cancers, including cervical, oral, and anal cancers. Despite the progress, experts urge continued public education on the link between oral sex and HPV-related cancers.
In related news, Hollywood actor Michael Douglas, who was treated for mouth cancer in 2013, attributed his diagnosis to HPV from oral sex. He is now cancer-free.
Laryngeal cancer, part of a broader category of head and neck cancers, claims over 4,000 lives in the UK annually. Early-stage treatment typically involves radiation and surgery, while advanced cases may require more extensive interventions, affecting speech and breathing.
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