Doctors Warn of Rising Cancers New research shows a common virus linked to sex is fueling a health crisis.
Rising Cancer Rates
Doctors are worried about the rise of cancers linked to HPV. This virus spreads through oral or penetrative sex. It causes 95 percent of cervical cancers in women. However, it also causes cancers of the throat, neck, and genitals. Researchers say these cases are growing rapidly.
Public Knowledge Gaps
Ohio State University surveyed 1,000 people about the virus last month. Many people held false beliefs. For example, 42 percent thought HPV was more common in women. Actually, the virus is more common in men. “This is concerning because more men are infected,” Dr. Electra Paskett said.
The Oral Connection
Throat cancer is now more common than cervical cancer in the US. Doctors call this an epidemic. Oral sex is a primary driver of this trend. People with six or more partners are 8.5 times more likely to get it. In 2024, there were 58,450 new cases of these diseases.
Prevention and Vaccines
A vaccine can reduce the risk of infection by 90 percent. Doctors recommend the shot for children aged nine to 12. Still, only 57 percent of eligible children have the vaccine. Dr. Matthew Old warned that these could become the most common adult cancers. Finally, experts urge more people to get vaccinated to stop the spread.