Jakarta (ANTARA) – The main risk factor for all throat cancers is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is most commonly spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex, said Neil, director of clinical research at the MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Head and Neck Surgery Department, Houston, Texas. Gross, M.D.
This HPV infection can also cause oropharyngeal cancer (behind the mouth) and cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis and anus.
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Gross, as published by Health on June 8, argues that oral sex can cause the back of the throat or oropharynx to be affected by cancer-related HPV subtypes and the most common type associated with this, namely HPV-16. In addition, the lymph tissue at the back of the throat can develop into cancer over time as a result of this infection.
However, the development of cancer is not something that happens overnight. Electra Paskett, PhD, professor and expert in cancer prevention and control at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said that when transmitted, HPV can live inactively in cells for years while the host’s immune system can control it.
“Years later, the virus can wake up and integrate into the cell’s DNA causing the cell to mutate and develop into cancer,” he said.
This explanation reveals why oropharyngeal cancer is increasing among the elderly.
Then how to reduce the risk or prevent exposure to HPV?
Not having oral sex is one way to prevent infection with cancer-causing HPV. HPV itself is often asymptomatic, and can spread easily because many people don’t know they have it.
Another effective way to reduce a person’s chances of getting cancer is to get the HPV vaccine. Most people qualify when they are nine years old.
Although the HPV vaccine is mostly said to be a way to lower the risk of cervical cancer, it can also protect against throat cancer.
George Yang, MD, a member of the Head and Neck Department and Endocrine Oncologist at the Moffit Cancer Center, said that if the HPV vaccine is given before exposure to HPV, it can protect against infection with the high-risk types associated with throat cancer, including HPV16.
Gross added, a person can also prevent throat cancer by making healthy choices. According to him, other risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer include consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, being overweight, and poor nutrition.
“Avoiding risky behaviors, including tobacco and alcohol, is the best way to avoid head and neck cancer, including throat cancer,” he said.
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2023-06-11 23:37:44
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