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A new study from Johns Hopkins University has found a link between the human papilloma virus (HPV) and oropharyngeal cancer, more commonly known as throat cancer. The findings confirm that oral sex is a risk factor for throat cancer, although the risk is relatively small.

The study, published in the May 10th edition of The New England Journal of Medicine, studied 100 people who were diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer. Two hundred people without the disease were also included in the study.

What the Study Found

Besides confirming the HPV link to throat cancer, the study concluded:

• having a large amount of vaginal sex partners over a course of a lifetime (more than 26 partners) is linked to the development of throat cancer
  
• people with a large amount of oral sex partners (more than 6) were three times more likely to develop oral cancer
  
• oral cancer is strongly associated with HPV-16, a strain of the virus that is also associated with cervical cancer in women
  
• heavy smoking and drinking does not increase the risk of developing throat cancer with people with HPV, even though both are risk factors for the disease

What Does This Mean for You?

Throat cancer is considered to be uncommon and a small percentage of people with HPV develop cancer because of the virus. The finding does not suggest abstaining from oral or vaginal sex. Even though the risk is considered to be small, practicing safe oral sex is still extremely important to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

_Sources:

'Souza,Ph.D., Gypsyamber, Aimee R. Kreimer, Ph.D., Raphael Viscidi, M.D., Michael Pawlita, M.D., Carole Fakhry, M.D., M.P.H., Wayne M. Koch, M.D., William H. Westra, M.D., and Maura L. Gillison, M.D., Ph.D.. "Case–Control Study of Human Papillomavirus and Oropharyngeal Cancer." New England Journal of Medicine 356:1944-1956. May 10, 2007.