HPV-linked oropharyngeal cancer rates rise globally

Medical experts are warning of a rising global trend in oropharyngeal cancers, which affect the tonsils, soft palate, and base of the tongue. These tumors are increasingly linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18, often transmitted through oral sex.

In the Czech Republic, researchers from Palacký University Olomouc report that oropharyngeal cancer cases have tripled over the last 30 years, with more than 800 new cases annually. This growth now exceeds the incidence of cervical cancer. Experts note that these cancers frequently appear in non-smokers and younger populations, occurring approximately four times more often in men than in women.

In Serbia, dentist Nikola Maričić highlighted that individuals with six or more sexual partners practicing oral sex face a significantly higher risk of developing these cancers. While many people clear the virus naturally, those with weakened immune systems may experience the virus integrating into their DNA, leading to malignancy over time. Experts emphasize the importance of HPV vaccination and early screening to mitigate these risks.