Results of new study hard to swallow

New England Journal of Medicine finds possible link between oral sex and throat cancer

By Ashley Hopkins, news editor
Posted on September 10, 2007

For years health care providers have pushed oral sex off as one of the safer forms of sex, but a new study may discredit this theory. For the first time, researchers may have found a link between oral sex and throat cancer.

The study, reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is strongly associated with oropharyngeal cancer among subjects. Those who engage in oral sex with more than six partners throughout their lifetime are up to nine times more likely to develop the cancer.  In addition The Journal reported that people who have had 26 vaginal-sex partners are also at an increased risk.

This link is apparent with or without the established risk factors of tobacco and alcohol use, reported The Journal.

Oropharyngeal cancer affects the oral cavity and oropharynx, which helps with breathing, talking, eating, chewing and swallowing, according to the American Cancer Society. Minor salivary glands that make saliva to keep the mouth moist and aid in digesting food, can also be affected by the cancer.

The study did not determine whether Gardasil, a vaccine designed to fight HPV, would protect the sexual active against oral infections.  Further testing is needed.

While the study found that fellatio and cunnilingus are the main modes of transmission between sexually active partners, it could also be passed through mouth-to-mouth contact.  In addition, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV and other sexually transmitted infection can be spread through oral sex, reported the Journal.

While the risks are apparent, students have mixed reactions to the results of the study.

“The endorphins that you get from sexual relationships counteract any kind of throat cancer issues or threats,” junior James Deskins said.

Freshman Erika Hard agreed, adding that she didn’t understand the correlation between the number of oral sex partners a person has and throat cancer.  She said that thought the number of times someone engaged in the act would be more of risk factor.

“I don’t think it will change anyone’s behavior,” she said.  “It’s one of those statistics that you hear and forget about because it doesn’t affect your daily life.”

Sophomore Megan Park said she recommends STI testing in order to safeguard against the cancer and other health issues.

This may be practical advice, as 20 million people are currently infected with HPV, and fifty percent of sexually active people will be infected with the virus at some point, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  JMU’s health center is open to all concerned students, and can provide STI testing, methods of contraceptive, and Gardasil.