Oral sex leads to cancer in men
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is sexually transmitted and is the main cause of cervical cancer in women. However, a new study has shown that HPV is the main risk factor for the oral cavity and larynx in men, along with alcohol and tobacco use. Scientists note that HPV now plays an even greater role in the development of cancer, as oral sex has become more common, and smoking, on the contrary, has decreased. There is a preventive vaccine against HPV, which is now recommended to all girls and young women in the USA and EU countries. However, Merck, the company that produces the vaccine, plans to apply to the American government for permission to vaccinate boys with the same vaccine.
Experts say that vaccination of men, firstly, will prevent the transmission of the virus to women, and secondly, will protect men themselves from oral cancer. HPV also causes warts ("genital warts") and increases the likelihood of anal cancer in those people who practice anal sex. "We need to discuss all the cancers that the vaccine can prevent," says study co–author Dr. Maura Gillison from Johns Hopkins University, USA.
Gillison and her colleagues have proven that HPV is the main cause of 5,600 cases of oral and throat cancer per year. At the same time, the role of the virus in the development of these cancers continues to increase. The good news is that the chances of survival for people with these cancers have also become higher. The fact is that cancer caused by HPV usually responds well to chemotherapy.
Scientists suggest that HPV affects the oral cavity and throat as a result of receiving oral sex. This explains why the number of such cases among men is growing – sexual behavior is changing. Clinical trials are now being planned to show whether the existing HPV vaccine can also protect against oral cancer.
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06.02.2008