Men appear more affected by HPV-related oral cancers, according to experts. HPV, a common sexually transmitted virus, often shows no symptoms but can cause genital warts or cancers. While most infections clear naturally, 14 strains can lead to precancerous changes or cancer. About 10% of men and 3.6% of women in the U.S. carry the virus.
Michael Douglas’s 2010 throat cancer highlighted the link between HPV and oral cancers, which can take decades to develop. Cancer epidemiologist Karis Betts explained that risk varies: straight women with male partners and men who have sex with men face higher risks. Men historically have higher rates of head and neck cancers due to factors like smoking and alcohol.
Though HPV has no cure, vaccination—most effective before exposure—and cervical screening can prevent serious outcomes. Betts advises avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol to reduce cancer risk.
The Cleveland Clinic lists throat cancer warning signs: persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, trouble moving the mouth or tongue, unexplained weight loss, ear pain, lumps in the throat or neck, coughing blood, and white patches inside the mouth or on the tongue.