Michael Douglas revealed that his stage four throat cancer, diagnosed in 2010, was likely caused by HPV, a sexually transmitted virus. Doctors found a walnut-sized tumor at the base of his tongue after months of discomfort. “I will always remember the look on his face,” Douglas said of the Montreal doctor who discovered it.

The Oscar-winning actor had a tough battle, losing 45 pounds during eight weeks of chemo and radiation. He even refused a feeding tube. “That’s a rough ride… it made me very weak,” he shared. Despite the intense treatment, Douglas was declared cancer-free two years later.

In a 2013 interview, he made headlines for saying his cancer was caused by HPV from oral sex. He later denied making the claim, but audio recordings confirmed his statement. “It’s a sexually transmitted disease that causes cancer,” he told The Guardian.

Doctors confirmed HPV can trigger throat cancer, but experts clarified that oral sex isn’t a cure, despite Douglas jokingly suggesting so. He has since remained in remission and continues to raise awareness.