Throat cancer is one of the numerous types of cancer. This kind of cancer targets specific throat tissues, such as the tonsils and the back of the tongue. “In Nigeria, oral cancer accounts for 36.8% of head and neck malignancies, with 1146 new cases and 764 mortality cases annually,” according to Gbotolorun O et al. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause throat cancer. While there are other causes of throat cancer that we shall discuss in this article, some people believe that oral sex is the sole one.
Understanding HPV and Throat Cancer
Human papillomavirus spreads mostly through sexual contact. When the mouth comes into touch with infected areas, HPV can be spread. If a person is infected with HPV, the virus has the ability to modify the cells that make up the walls.
Over time, these affected cells become precancerous, which means they have the potential to become cancer if not treated. There are various forms of HPV, some of which are high risk. High risk indicates that these type of HPV can cause major health problems such as cancer. Example of a high risk HPV type is HPV-16.
What Are Other Risk Factors Contributing To Throat Cancer?
HPV can be spread to the throat through oral sex, but this is not the only way to contract it. HPV can also be spread through various forms of sexual activity, as well as skin-to-skin contact, such as kissing. Although oral sex is a risk factor for HPV transmission and infection, not everyone who engages in it will get HPV.
Other risk factors contributing to throat cancer include smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. When a person smokes and drinks heavily for an extended period of time, the cell lining of the throat wears away, making it more prone to HPV infection and increasing the risk of cancer development.
Also, fruits and vegetables are recognized for their antioxidant capabilities which can help boost immune system. Thus, diets lacking fruits and vegetables, wouldn’t help the immune system fight against HPV infection.
Bottom Line
Oral sex increases the risk of throat cancer because the throat is directly exposed, and when it comes into touch with affected areas, the throat cells can become precancerous. However, this does not imply that anybody who engages in oral sex would automatically contract HPV.
HPV can also be transferred by kissing an affected person. While HPV remains a risk factor for throat cancer, other factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to the development of throat cancer. Furthermore, having a direct family member with throat cancer enhances one’s susceptibility to the disease.
