• Skinhn [they/them,any]
    ·
    4 years ago

    The cancer association is very real. The same types of human papilloma virus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer also cause oral cancers. IIRC the number of non-cervical HPV-related cancers was higher than cervical HPV-related cancers.

    The cervical cancer vaccine (e.g. gardasil and the other ones) would prevent it if given prior to HPV infection.

    • snackage [he/him]
      ·
      4 years ago

      Since HPV can be transmitted through contact of mucosal surfaces and no one wears a barrier on the inside of their mouth I find exclusive association of oral sex and cancer not completely convincing. To me, trying to prevent exposure to HPV is a kind of theater like the security theater at airports.

      The effective preventative measure for HPV is like you said vaccination anyway.