A specialist has shared insights on why men appear to be more significantly impacted by HPV-related oral cancers.
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a very prevalent sexually transmitted infection that often shows no symptoms but can lead to genital warts or serious cancers over time.
According to reports, there are more than 200 strains of this virus, and while up to 90% of infections resolve on their own within two years, 14 strains are recognized for causing precancerous changes or cancer itself.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state that approximately 10 percent of men and 3.6 percent of women are known to harbor the virus, making it the most widespread in the United States.
One of the most notable cases of HPV was that of the legendary actor Michael Douglas, who was diagnosed with stage four throat cancer in 2010. Douglas publicly acknowledged that the illness could be associated with oral sex, while also citing smoking and drinking as other possible contributors.
Experts have cautioned that it may take decades for HPV to progress into cancer in the back of the throat, a condition referred to as oropharyngeal cancer.
Karis Betts, a cancer epidemiologist from Cancer Research UK, informed LADbible that HPV infections can remain undetected for years before they turn into cancer.
“There are studies that examine risk factors for different demographics. Straight women who engage in sexual activity with men face a higher risk than those who only have sexual relationships with women. Additionally, men who have sex with men are at a greater risk than straight men.
Betts mentioned, “The HPV vaccine is also accessible for men who have sex with men up to the age of 40, as their risk is slightly elevated.”
“Men experience higher incidences of head and neck cancers compared to women, which can be historically linked to various other risk factors.”
“Looking back a few decades, men had significantly higher smoking rates and alcohol consumption, which have consistently surpassed those of women.”
“Men are more likely to develop head and neck cancers, especially in the mouth and throat, and these cancers can also arise from other factors that are more common among men.”
“While there is no cure for HPV, a vaccine is available.”
“Betts shared with LADbible, ‘The primary preventive measures against HPV in the community are vaccination and cervical screening.’”
“Vaccines are most effective, particularly at school age, as this is before individuals have been exposed to the virus.”
“For those concerned about their cancer risk, the most beneficial actions they can take, especially regarding head and neck cancer, are to avoid smoking or to quit smoking, and to limit their alcohol consumption.”
“Such actions will significantly reduce cancer risk more than merely worrying about an HPV infection.”
“The Cleveland Clinic identifies the following warning signs for throat cancer:
- Persistent sore throat
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Trouble fully opening your mouth or moving your tongue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant or unexplained ear pain
- A lump in the back of the throat or inside the mouth
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Coughing up blood
- A white patch on the tongue or inside the mouth that doesn’t go away.
