Oral Sex Linked to Oral Cancer

Rising rates of throat, tonsil, and tongue cancers have been linked to a common STD transmitted through oral sex, say scientists at Johns Hopkins University. While such cancers had previously been seen primarily among older men who smoked or drank heavily, they're now cropping up among younger gay and bisexual men due to human papillomavirus infections occurring through oral sex, say the researchers. Sexually active adults experiencing a lingering sore throat or a lump in the neck should be checked out by a doctor, urge the Johns Hopkins experts. Physicians also should include a patient's sexual history when screening for head and neck cancer risks, they add.