Oral Sex Overtakes Smoking and Alcohol as Leading Cause of Throat Cancer, Experts Warn

Medical experts have identified oral sex as the leading cause of throat cancer, surpassing smoking and alcohol, according to recent studies. The alarming surge in oropharyngeal cancer cases has been linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, with specialists describing the situation as an “epidemic.”

Dr. Hisham Mehanna, a leading researcher at the University of Birmingham, revealed that individuals with multiple oral sex partners are at a significantly higher risk of developing throat cancer. He noted a sharp increase in cases over the past two decades, correlating with the prevalence of HPV-related infections.

Oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the tonsils and back of the throat, has been on the rise globally, with HPV identified as a primary driver. The virus is transmitted through sexual activity, including oral sex, and can persist in the body for years before causing cancerous changes.

While smoking and excessive alcohol consumption remain significant risk factors for throat cancer, HPV-related cases now dominate. Studies suggest that individuals engaging in oral sex with six or more partners in their lifetime face an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer by as much as ninefold.