Throat Cancer and Oral Sex: A Worrying Connection Revealed by Recent Study

by time news

2023-10-11 21:21:00
Title: Study Reveals Alarming Link Between Throat Cancer and Oral Sex

Subtitle: Throat cancer cases surpass cervical cancer in the US and UK, with oral sex emerging as a major risk factor

Date: [Current Date]

In recent news, the company Biontech shared its latest developments in cancer research, shedding light on the continuous efforts being made to combat this devastating disease. However, a particular study from the University of Birmingham has captured attention with its findings, suggesting a concerning relationship between oral sex and throat cancer.

According to a report by The Independent, throat cancer has now become more prevalent than cervical cancer in the United States and Great Britain. Researchers have focused on a specific type of throat cancer that affects the tonsil area, attributing it primarily to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is also the primary cause of cervical cancer.

Dr. Hisham Mehanna from the University of Birmingham explains that engaging in oral sex with multiple partners increases the risk of developing this form of cancer by ninefold. He further stated that behavioral trends studies indicate that oral sex is common in some countries, with 80% of UK adults who had tonsillectomies for non-cancer reasons reporting having practiced oral sex at some point in their lives.

In the last two decades, there has been a rapid increase in throat cancer cases, which some experts describe as an epidemic. Surprisingly, doctors have identified oral sex as the leading risk factor for this type of cancer, surpassing smoking, alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet. Further research is required to assess the risk of infection through oral sex; however, it is already apparent that preventative measures need to be taken.

Research suggests that men are more susceptible to HPV infections through oral sex with women. This disparity may be due to the higher detection rate of the virus in women’s intimate areas. Uncertainties remain regarding the risk posed to homosexual individuals, as homosexual men appear to have an elevated risk of HPV infection in the mouth. However, this could be attributed to the higher number of sexual partners in this group.

HPV is a diverse group of viruses, with more than 200 different types. Only specific high-risk types are associated with cancer development. While most HPV infections clear up on their own, persistent infections can increase the risk of certain cancers, including cervical, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and head and neck cancers.

The German Cancer Research Center recommends sexual abstinence as the only way to completely protect against cancer-causing HPV types. For those who choose not to abstain from sexual activity, experts advise using condoms during oral sex to reduce the risk of infection. However, it is important to note that condoms do not cover all potentially infected areas.

Further research and awareness are necessary to address the concerning relationship between oral sex and throat cancer. The findings from this study underscore the importance of practicing safe sex and emphasizing the need for vaccines against HPV, which can provide further protection against these types of cancers.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the sources cited, and readers are advised to consult healthcare professionals for specific medical advice related to their individual circumstances.

[Organisation Information]

Source:
– inFranken.de
– The Independent]
#Throat #cancer #worse #smoking #study

You may also like

Leave a Comment