HPV Mouth Cancer

Much of the focus on HPV has been on its ability to cause cervical cancer in women. However, HPV infection carries with it other health risks, some of which affect men. Recent work has been focusing on the links between HPV infection and certain forms of oral cancer in men. Oral cancer can be a serious and life threatening condition.

Oral Sex and Mouth Cancer

• Studies have shown that men who have performed oral sex on more than six people have nine times the risk of developing mouth cancer.

HPV and Mouth Cancer

• Men who have been infected with certain strains of HPV are 32 times more likely to develop oral cancer.

Locations of Mouth Cancer

• These associations are strongest for cancer of the tonsils or the tongue's base.

Mechanism of HPV

• HPV infection is thought to cause genetic changes to certain cells in the mouth, leading to an increased propensity for oral cancer.

Vaccines

• As a result, many doctors are recommending that men also be vaccinated against HPV to help reduce their risk of developing oral cancer.