Oral sex and HPV virus is one of the main causes of oral and throat cancer. Smoking or chewing tobacco, as previously thought, are not the only causes.
Michael Douglas - the star of Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction - has revealed that his throat cancer was apparently caused by performing oral sex.
Asked whether he now regretted his years of smoking and drinking, usually thought to be the cause of the disease, Douglas replied: "No. Because without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV [human papillomavirus], which actually comes about from cunnilingus."
Oral or throat cancer is a devestating disease. It can cause disfigurement and in severe cases lead to resection of the facial areas including removal of the tongue.
Dr Powers has personally seen such devestating outcomes in his practice.
If Oral or Throat cancer is caught early through proper screenings it can prevent such devestating outcomes.
Dr Powers is now offering screenings for men and woman for oral cancer now for only $500.00. Call 727-541-0323 to set up your screening today!
HPV: the facts
•It is calculated that between 25% and 35% of oral cancers are HPV virus-related
which is a highly significant percentage of these types of cancer.
•There are more than 100 variants of HPV (human papillomavirus). They appear in different parts of the body and manifest themselves in different ways - some cause warts, but most are symptomless.
•Some are spread by skin-to-skin contact, while others are typically spread during sex. When HPV is found in the mouth, it probably got there as a result of oral sex.
•HPV virus is common - if you're a sexually active adult, you've probably have it but you may not show symptoms because it is controlled well by your immune system. By the age of 25, 90% of sexually active people will have been exposed and may be carriers of some form of the genital HPV viruses.
•Around 15 types of HPV are linked to increased cancer risk. These HPV viruses are long-term risk factors. Over years and decades the risk is increased, rather than overnight. Proper HPV screenings can help detect these early and with proper treatment can markedly decrease your risk of developing oral or throat cancer.
•Overall, HPV-related oral cancers are most common in heterosexual men in their 40s and 50s.
•Teenage girls in the UK and elsewhere are now vaccinated against HPV. This vaccination is also being used in the United States. This should in time both protect them from cervical cancers and - it's believed - future partners from HPV virus-related oral cancers.