Claim: Oral sex can lead to throat cancer.
Our findings reveal that the HPV which causes cervical, vulva, penis and anus cancer is also responsible for throat cancer and this can be transmitted during oral sex.
Full Text
Oral sex, an act of foreplay which involves the kissing or licking of the genital area to stimulate a partner is popular among sex partners.
A Facebook user, Dozie Egeonu, shared the screenshot of a report with the claim that “licking” a woman can cause throat cancer. According to the headline of this report, this claim was made by a gynaecologist.
While some users agree with this claim, others disagree. Frankie Noel Franklin, who believes this is true, wrote, “It is true. Joke apart.”
He also narrated a personal experience that another Facebook user said was a result of HPV.
Another user, Lisa Marie Schmitt, however, refuted the claim, tagging it as “fake news.”
Seeing the controversy this stirred on Facebook and the need to educate the general public to take informed decisions about their sexuality, DUBAWA decided to verify this claim
Verification
We first tried to trace the alleged report since it was a screenshot that was shared. We found the original article on the website MyNewsGh.com. with the same claim.
The article quoted Dr Hawa Malechi, as saying the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer, can also cause cancer of the penis as well as throat cancer.
What is Human Papillomavirus and how does it spread?
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an infection that causes warts in various parts of the body, depending on the strain.
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) notes that HPV can spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. Someone with HPV can pass the infection to another person even when they have no signs or symptoms.
There are different types of HPV, and some can increase the risk of cancer. This article by Medical News Today notes HPV which can spread during oral sex, increasing the possibility of cancer.
HPV can cause cervical cancer, cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat (called oropharyngeal cancer).
However, getting HPV can be prevented through vaccination. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective and can protect against diseases (including cancers) caused by HPV when given in the recommended age groups.
Expert Opinion
A gynaecologist and senior registrar at the National Hospital, Abuja, Jeremiah Agim, confirmed this claim to be true saying the virus that causes cervical cancer also causes throat cancer.
“Yea, both from Cunnilingus and fellatio.The Human Papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer is responsible for the throat cancer too.”
He, however, clarified that this does not mean everyone who performs such sexual acts will end up with throat cancer. It’s only when the act is performed on an infected person.
Conclusion
Our findings reveal that the HPV which causes cervical, vulva, penis and anus cancer is also responsible for throat cancer and this can be transmitted during oral sex.
