By Michael Gwarisa
The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) has cautioned young people against engaging in risky oral sex, warning that it increases the risk of transmitting the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) just like any unprotected sex activity, which causes cancer.
This warning comes in the wake of research by global oncologists showing a rise in oral cancers linked to oral sex, particularly among individuals with multiple sexual partners in the United Kingdom and the United States. Since the mid-2000s, cases of oropharyngeal cancer, a specific type of oral cancer, have been increasing, with HPV identified as the main cause in these regions.
In Zimbabwe, cervical cancer remains the most common HPV-related cancer, accounting for over 30% of national cancer cases. However, other HPV-associated cancers, such as oral, penile, and vulvar cancers, have been recorded, though in smaller numbers.
Lovemore Makurirofa, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator for CAZ, told HealthTimes in an interview that oral sex is a risk factor for HPV-related cancers.
Yes, it is a fact that oral sex is one of the risk factors for HPV-related cancers,” said Makurirofa. “Our data in Zimbabwe does not show an increase in oral cancer cases. The numbers are very low, fewer than 10 cases per year, so we cannot say there is a rapid rise in oral-related cancers. However, the link exists, and it’s important to educate the public on the risks of oral sex and HPV.”
Makurirofa emphasised that, despite the low incidence of oral cancers in Zimbabwe, the public still needs awareness about the relationship between oral sex and HPV-related cancers.
“Other HPV-related cancers, such as penile and vulvar cancers, are also not significantly increasing in Zimbabwe. However, we know these cases could be linked to HPV. We currently lack data to confirm whether the few oral cancer cases we see are directly caused by HPV or oral sex, as further tests are required to establish such connections,” he explained.
Oral cancers can occur even without HPV infection. However, during oral sex, there is a risk of transmitting HPV from one person to another. Once transmitted, HPV can cause cellular abnormalities that lead to cancer. Oral sex has also been associated with other health complications, including mouth rashes.
Meanwhile, the latest data from the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry indicates a rise in oesophageal cancer in both men and women. Among men, oesophageal cancer accounts for 10% of all cancer deaths, second only to prostate cancer at 23%. In women, it accounts for 6% of cancer deaths, making it the third leading cause of cancer fatalities after cervical cancer (22.5%) and breast cancer (12.9%).
“There is also an increase in oesophageal cancer. While oesophageal cancer can be related to HPV, we lack data to confirm whether the cases in Zimbabwe are HPV-related. This is an area for further research by the registry,” said Makurirofa. Makurirofa stressed the importance of educating the public, particularly young people, about the risks associated with oral sex.
“Some may perceive oral sex as a safe practice, but there are significant risks involved,” he said.
Dr. Hisham Mehanna, an oncologist at the UK’s University of Birmingham, wrote in The Conversation that individuals with six or more lifetime oral sex partners are 8.5 times more likely to develop oral cancer than those who do not practice oral sex. In his study, Dr. Mehanna found that 80% of men and women engage in oral sex at some point, with surveys suggesting rising rates, particularly among women.
