Individuals who choose to engage in oral sex now have a serious health issue to take into consideration.

According to a report carried on the BBC News website in the United Kingdom on Thursday, scientists from the United States say that a virus contracted through oral sex is the cause of some throat cancers.

A study of 300 people conducted by the John Hopkins University concluded that HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection; the cause of the majority of cervical cancers is a much stronger risk factor for throat cancer than tobacco or alcohol use. The New England Journal of Medicine also found that the risk was almost nine times higher for people who reported oral sex with more than six partners.

The findings of the study were supported by two local doctors with which THE STAR spoke. The men, both ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialists, said that while the report is new to them, the finding is clearly a possibility.

"Wow, this is actually the first I'm hearing of this....nevertheless based on what they say the studies have found, it's quite feasible," one specialist said.

In the BBC article the experts pointed out that they still needed to do a larger study to confirm the findings.

Dr Julie Sharp, science information officer at Cancer Research UK, is quoted in the article as saying; "There is conflicting evidence about the role of HPV, and this rare type of mouth cancer. As this was a small study, further research is needed to confirm these observations."

fluid samples

The study took blood and saliva samples from 100 men and women newly diagnosed with Oropharyngeal cancer which affects the throat, tonsils and back of the tongue. Those who had evidence of prior oral HPV infection had a 32-fold increased risk of throat cancer, the study found.

Oral sex was said to be the focal means of acquiring HPV, but researchers said mouth-to-mouth transmission as in through kissing, should not be ignored.

A vaccine which protects against cervical cancer and genital warts caused by HPV is said to be available. Researchers said studies provided a basis for vaccinating boys and girls alike. The question of whether or not the vaccine would protect against oral HPV remains to be answered.

Despite the health threatening reports one male individual who acknowledged that he indulges in oral sex told THE STAR that the reports will not deter his choice to partake in the activity.

"No man, dem have a vaccine ting so it wont stop me," the man told THE STAR. Another man however expressed a more cautious approach to the situation. "As of today me ago stop," he said.