Health experts are breaking the silence on the Human Papillomavirus or HPV, which is said to be the most common sexually transmitted infection.
The virus gives rise to several kinds of cancers, including cancers of the mouth and throat. As per experts, it spreads through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or even oral sex. After the virus infects the mouth or throat, it can give rise to a cancer known as oropharyngeal cancer, which impacts areas like the tonsils and the base of the tongue.
In recent years, health experts have spoken about the rise in HPV related throat cancers, especially among men.
In Hollywood, A-List star Michael Douglas left fans shocked when doctors diagnosed him with stage two throat cancer. They mentioned to him that the most likely cause was oral sex. As per doctors, 10% of men carry oral HPV as compared to 3.6% of women. While many infections clear naturally within one or two years, some remain in the body and might give rise to cancer decades later.
Other risk factors include smoking and heavy alcohol use, which also increase the risk of head and neck cancers. This is why doctors highlight the significance of vaccinations, safe sex practices, and regular health checkups to reduce all risks involved.