{"id":8964,"date":"2026-03-12T09:05:53","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/?p=8964"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:05:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:05:53","slug":"expert-reveals-why-hpv-related-throat-cancer-is-rising-among-men-due-to-oral-sex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/?p=8964","title":{"rendered":"Expert reveals why HPV-related throat cancer is rising among men due to oral sex"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

A specialist has shared insights on why men appear to be more significantly impacted by HPV-related oral cancers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Karis Betts, a cancer epidemiologist from Cancer Research UK, informed LADbible that HPV infections can remain undetected for years before they turn into cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere 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.<\/p>\n

Betts mentioned, \u201cThe HPV vaccine is also accessible for men who have sex with men up to the age of 40, as their risk is slightly elevated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMen experience higher incidences of head and neck cancers compared to women, which can be historically linked to various other risk factors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooking back a few decades, men had significantly higher smoking rates and alcohol consumption, which have consistently surpassed those of women.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMen 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile there is no cure for HPV, a vaccine is available.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetts shared with LADbible, \u2018The primary preventive measures against HPV in the community are vaccination and cervical screening.’\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVaccines are most effective, particularly at school age, as this is before individuals have been exposed to the virus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch actions will significantly reduce cancer risk more than merely worrying about an HPV infection.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cleveland Clinic identifies the following warning signs for throat cancer:<\/strong><\/p>\n