Can Oral Sex give you Cancer?

In recent years, the incidence of throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer) has increased among younger, non-smoking individuals. One of the key contributing factors is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

So, can oral sex increase the risk of cancer? What is the relationship between HPV and throat cancer?

In this video, we explore this important and often misunderstood topic to help you better understand the connection between oral health and overall health.

What is HPV?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a very common viral infection. Most HPV infections are naturally cleared by the immune system within one to two years.

However, certain high-risk strains — particularly HPV-16 — can persist and are associated with cervical cancer and oropharyngeal cancer, including cancers of the tonsils and the base of the tongue.

Research shows that the incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer has increased significantly over the past two decades. Unlike traditional throat cancers linked to tobacco and alcohol use, HPV-related cancers often occur in younger individuals who are otherwise healthy.

How Does HPV Cause Throat Cancer?

Early HPV infections usually cause no symptoms.

If high-risk HPV persists in the oropharyngeal region, it may increase the risk of cancer developing in the back of the throat, including the tonsils and the base of the tongue.

Warning signs to be aware of include:

• Persistent sore throat

• Difficulty swallowing

• A lump in the neck

• Ongoing hoarseness

• A mouth ulcer lasting longer than two weeks

Currently, there is no routine screening test for oropharyngeal HPV infection in asymptomatic individuals. Diagnosis typically occurs when a persistent lesion or neck mass is investigated through imaging and biopsy.

Treatment and Prevention

Importantly, HPV-positive throat cancers often respond better to treatment compared to tobacco-related cancers. Treatment depends on the stage and may involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches, managed by a multidisciplinary team.

In terms of prevention, HPV vaccination is a key strategy for reducing risk. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends HPV vaccination for eligible individuals, and Australia’s vaccination program is considered one of the most successful public health initiatives globally.

Increasing vaccination awareness and maintaining regular health check-ups are important steps in reducing long-term risk.

Please watch the video above for a more detailed professional explanation.

If the video is not displaying correctly, you may watch it directly through this link: https://youtu.be/XlZQT8YRxyA