Head and neck cancers linked to oral sex on rise in men

Head and neck cancers linked to oral sex are on the rise, primarily among men, mostly in their 30s, while those linked to smoking and drinking have decreased slightly.

Speaking to the Irish Examineron World Head and Neck Cancer Day, Gerard O’Leary, an ear, nose, and throat consultant at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH), said there was “increasing incidence” of these type of cancers caused by the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).

“Cancer caused by HPV is associated with tumours arising mainly in the tonsillar region as a result of oro-genital contact,” said Mr O’Leary. “We are seeing an increasing incidence of that. It often occurs in people who are non-smokers. We are also seeing a small decrease in smoking and drinking related cancers, maybe because people are smoking less.”