woman’s Sore Throat Led to Shock Cancer Diagnosis Linked to Oral Sex
Belfast, Northern Ireland – A woman who initially sought relief for a persistent sore throat with lozenges was shocked to discover she had cancer, later linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) contracted through oral sex. Leanne, who has chosen to share her story with Kennedy News and Media, is now advocating for greater awareness of HPV and the importance of vaccination.
The diagnosis has prompted Leanne to speak out, determined to “keep banging on about the HPV vaccine” and educate others about the risks associated with the virus. While most HPV infections clear on their own, certain types can lead to various cancers, including throat cancer – a connection increasingly recognized by medical professionals. This case underscores the growing incidence of HPV-related cancers and the need for preventative measures and early detection.
HPV (Human papillomavirus) is extremely common, with most people infected with at least one type of the virus during their lifetime. The Throat Cancer Foundation notes that the majority of these infections are cleared by the body within a year without causing any problems. However,a small percentage of individuals can develop cancer consequently.
The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity such as intercourse and oral sex.It’s crucial to understand that developing cancer caused by HPV is not necessarily linked to having multiple partners, but rather to exposure to a cancer-causing strain of the virus. Oral sex is considered the most likely cause of HPV-related throat cancers, though it doesn’t account for all cases.
