NEW studies reveal that oral sex can lead to oral cancer more than smoking and drinking, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) reported.

According to Movement for Early Detection of Cancer (Medca) convenor Dr. Vic Fileto Chua, the practice of unprotected oral sex can lead to various infections of the oral cavity.

“Recurrent infections of the mouth can result to the formation of oral cancers,” Chua said.

“Sexually transmitted infections [STI] like herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and others can also cause serious irritations of the buccal cavity, and the repeated infections through oral sex can lead to cancers of the mouth,” Chua explained further.

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the virus that causes cancer in the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus and penis through sexual activity. The virus can also be transmitted through sharing contaminated objects such as vibrator or any objects for pleasure; and finger-genital contact is a possible way of transmission.

“The HPV, which causes genital warts, has been positively linked to cervical cancer in women. This same virus can cause oral cancers in both men and women engaged in oral sex. STI like herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and others can also cause serious irritation of the buccal cavity and the repeated infections through oral sex can lead to cancers of the mouth,” Chua said.

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine warned that people who had more than five oral sex partners had a ninefold increase in risk of cancer of the tonsils, tongue or throat.

According to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) the incidence of squamous cell cancers of the mouth and throat is rising in Europe, America, and other countries of the world. More than 50 percent of all oral cancers are HPV-related. AACR also revealed that oral sex has become more common in recent decades.

In the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Population Institute conducted a study recently which reveals that more than 4 million young Filipinos have already engaged in sexual activities.

The Young Adult Fertility Survey reveals that a total of 4.32 million Filipinos aged 15 to 24 are already sexually driven, and out of this number, only 20 percent use protection such as contraceptives.

“Oral sex is a common practice that the most sexually adventurous teens of today would like to experiment with,” the study reveals.

A related study conducted by the PDA’s Manila Dental Chapter showed that the incidence of oral lesions among the residents of the City of Manila is 15 percent, while the pre-cancer and oral cancer stage is at 1.5 percent of the Manila population.

“Any lesion in the mouth should be seriously considered. Not all can develop to cancer but malignancy must always be taken as an imminent possibility. An education campaign, not only among the high-risk sector, must be undertaken nationwide to protect our patients against the risk of oral cancers,” PDA Manila President Dr. Anne Camus said.

“The dentists are usually the first to see lesions in the mouth of our patients. At this early stage, if the lesion turns out to be malignant then chances are it is still curable,” Camus added.

Cancer is the third leading cause of death in the country today. Chua said that oral cancer can be prevented since its risk factors are lifestyle and environmentally related.

“The early detection of cancer is a crucial key to the survival and recovery of its victims. The earlier you detect the malignancy, the higher the survival rate of the patient,” Chua said.

Oral sex is a sexual activity involving the stimulation of the genital of a sex partner by using his or her mouth, tongue, teeth, or throat. It is a part of foreplay before sexual intercourse.