Rising Throat Cancer Cases in Men Linked to Oral Sex

Recent studies reveal a concerning rise in oropharyngeal cancer cases in Jamaica, particularly among younger men. Dr. Steven Alexander, senior medical officer at Jamaica’s Hope Institute, attributes this spike to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), primarily transmitted through oral sex.

HPV is increasingly linked to oropharyngeal cancers, now overtaking smoking as the primary cause. Traditionally, throat cancer cases predominantly affected men over 70, largely due to tobacco use. However, with a significant reduction in public smoking, cases now appear more in men aged 30 to 50.

“HPV-related throat cancers are more aggressive than those caused by smoking,” Dr. Alexander explains to the Jamaica Star. This shift is raising alarms within the medical community, as HPV-positive cancers pose heightened health risks and often demand intensive treatment.

Despite these warnings, changing sexual practices remains a contentious topic. A male who is 36 years old openly admits he won’t alter his preferences, comparing the HPV threat to other risks like HIV and STIs.

He believes in mutual protection with his partner but remains undeterred by the HPV-related risks of oral sex. Similarly, a 25-year-old female is aware of HPV’s link to cancer but practices safe sex with her husband and has not received the HPV vaccine, feeling secure within her monogamous relationship.

In response to the rising threat, Dr. Alexander advocates for the HPV vaccine, especially for young girls ages nine to twelve, as a preventative measure against future HPV-related cancers.