7-28-2012 National:KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- If you thought oral sex was safer sex, think again. It can actually kill you. That's because having oral sex with someone that has Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, can lead to cancer in the throat area.
Researchers estimate there are 50,000 new cases nationwide, and 11,500 people that die from the disease every year.
"Exposure is typically genital to oral and that can go from any individual to any individual regardless of their gender, and so if their partner is shedding the virus actively and you can't see it, you can't know it, it just happens."
Dr. Ralph Boling said throat cancer is much more prevalent in men, with studies indicating a ratio of 2:1 and up to 4:1. Also, smoking and alcohol consumption combined with HPV significantly increase the chances of contracting cancer in the throat area.
Boling said most people do not notice they have the disease until they have trouble with their speech, or swallowing. If the cancer spreads, Dr. Boling said doctors may have to remove areas of the mouth or throat.
