Health experts are raising concerns about the increasing cases of throat cancer, with oral s3x being identified as a significant contributing factor alongside the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
The virus, which is spread through s3xual contact, is now linked to a growing number of throat cancer cases in both the UK and the US.
UK radio presenter Jamie Theakston, 53, recently revealed his diagnosis of stage one laryngeal cancer, following concerns from listeners who noticed changes in his voice.
Theakston announced he will take a break from his role on Heart Radio to focus on his treatment, reports Mail Online.
According to Dr. Hisham Mehanna from the University of Birmingham, around 70% of throat cancer cases are caused by HPV. He added that having multiple oral s3x partners can increase the risk of throat cancer up to ninefold. HPV, which is present in around a third of the population at any given time, can sometimes invade tissues and cause changes that lead to cancer.
There are over 150 types of HPV, but only about 12 strains are linked to cancer, with HPV types 16 and 18 being the most common in causing oropharyngeal cancer. HPV is responsible for several cancers, including those affecting the mouth, throat, cervix, and genitals.
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Both the UK and US are seeing what some experts call a “throat cancer epidemic.” Research shows the UK has around 12,800 new cases of throat cancer each year, while the US reports approximately 71,100 cases annually.
The rise in cases since the 1990s has been alarming, with head and neck cancer rates in the UK increasing by more than a third, according to Cancer Research UK. While smoking and alcohol use were traditionally the leading causes of head and neck cancers, HPV is now recognized as a significant contributor.
HPV vaccines, currently offered to 12- and 13-year-olds in the UK and US, have proven highly effective in reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers. Despite this, experts emphasize the need for greater public awareness of the link between oral s3x and the increased risk of throat cancer.
Hollywood actor Michael Douglas made headlines in 2013 when he revealed that his throat cancer diagnosis was likely linked to performing oral s3x. Douglas, who is now 79 and cancer-free, has been a vocal advocate for HPV awareness since his successful treatment.
Doctors continue to stress the importance of early detection. NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, urges people to pay attention to symptoms like hoarseness or difficulty swallowing, as early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates.
For those looking to prevent HPV-related cancers, vaccines are available. The HPV vaccine, more than 80% effective, is administered in two doses for children aged 11 to 12, with a three-dose option for older individuals. The vaccine, initially offered to girls in 2008, was extended to boys in 2019.
As health experts continue to study HPV and its links to cancer, public education on the risks and preventative measures remains crucial in reducing the rising rates of throat cancer.
WHAT IS LARYNGEAL CANCER?
Laryngeal cancer affects the voice box (larynx), which is essential for speech, breathing, and swallowing. Common symptoms include persistent hoarseness, pain when swallowing, and lumps in the neck. Early detection and treatment with radiation or surgery significantly improve survival rates, with about 65% of patients surviving five years after diagnosis.
For more information on throat cancer and HPV, it’s important to consult healthcare professionals and stay informed about vaccination and early detection.