Health experts predict Human Papillomavirus passed through oral sex could soon surpass smoking to become the leading cause of mouth cancer. It has been said that the virus both men and women. According to the National Health Service, roughly 6797 cases of mouth cancer were diagnosed in 2011 and the numbers have only gone up since then. Experts have warned that the number of mouth cancer cases is on the rise and the uncontrolled spread of it has played a significant role in this.
It is contracted through unprotected sex and affects the areas of the body that are exposed to moisture, such as the mouth, rectum, cervix and throat, among others. The virus is very common and highly contagious. The NHS also reports that over three - quarters of sexually active women come in contact with this virus. On coming in contact with it, a person might experience symptoms such as ulcers that don't heal, pain in the mouth, white - red patches on the skin surrounding the mouth or throat, difficulty in swallowing, lump in the neck and drastic weight loss.
Preventing the spread of HPV
The best way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections is to refrain from having sex. However, there are other methods that could help you prevent the spread of the virus. Use of barriers such as condoms can shield against the spread of HPV. Besides, a latex square, known as a dam can be placed over a woman's genitals to protect her from contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
It has been established that a host of genital cancers are associated with the wart virus. Therefore, concluding that the Human Papillomavirus fosters cancers in mouth, is absolutely logical. In addition to this, individuals having more than 20 sexual partners are likelier to contract an oral HPV infection.
Other facts about HPV
• There are more than 100 variants of the Human Papillomavirus.
• It is twice as common in men as in women.
• About one - fourths of all mouth cancer cases are HPV related.
• Cases have increased three - fold in the last decade. This trend is likely to continue in the future, experts predict.
• Mouth cancer caused by HPV is 16th most common cancer in the United Kingdom. A similar trend has also been witnessed in the United States.
• Early detection of mouth cancer can increase the survival rate by over 90 percent.
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