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September 19, 2017.
Can you get throat cancer from oral sex? This rumor, as disturbing as it is unusual, has driven the web into a panic for several years. Let’s do a check in.
Increase in cancers due to HPV
According to a study published in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association, the number of oropharyngeal cancers linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV) increased by nearly 50% between 2000 and 2012. This sexually transmitted virus affects the mucous membranes and the epidermis and promotes the formation of tumors. Certain strains of papillomavirus are particularly involved in the development of cervical cancer.
But are these data enough to conclude that oral sex is the cause of the proliferation of throat cancers? Is the liberalization of morals involved? Nothing is less certain, according to Professor Renaud Garrel, head of the head and neck-laryngology oncology unit at the CHRU Montpellier. ” We now know how to detect the papillomavirus, which was not the case before 2005 », He advances in the Figaro.
Smoking is a more aggravating factor than fellatio
” Throat cancer from papillomavirus has always been present He adds. “ It is more likely that a certain proportion of ENT cancers linked to the papillomavirus have always existed but without our knowing it “. So certainly, having oral sex can increase the risk of throat cancer, but in any case, if ENT cancers explode, it would be more because of smoking.
From September 18 to 22, the European ENT Cancer Awareness Week is taking place. An ideal opportunity to learn about the factors of this cancer and its symptoms which are quite difficult to identify. Among them are unexplained changes in the voice, enlarged lymph nodes, a persistent sore throat or painful or difficult swallowing. To avoid any risk, consider protecting yourself during your sexual intercourse, even oral.
Marine Rondot
To find out more: Prevention, medical treatments and complementary approaches to throat cancer