For decades, throat cancer was believed to be directly related to smoking and tobacco, but now a new threat is rising – Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In western countries like America and Britain, this virus, which spreads through oral sex, has become the biggest cause of throat cancer, even leaving tobacco behind.
What is HPV and how does it spread?
HPV is one of the most common viral infections worldwide. It spreads mainly through physical contact, especially oral sex. In most cases, this infection resolves on its own, but high-risk strains like HPV-16 and HPV-18 can persist in the body for years and can develop into cancer.
Dr. B., Surgical Oncologist, Fortis Hospital, Gurugram. Niranjan Naik explains, “If this virus remains in the body for years, it interferes with the normal functioning of the cells and gradually turns into cancer. This process takes 10 to 30 years.”
What is the situation in India?
India has the highest burden of head and neck cancer. One-third of all cancer cases in the country are of the head and neck. However, the main causes of throat cancer here are still tobacco, gutkha and khaini. Doctors say that the cases related to HPV are less in India compared to the West, but they are continuously increasing.
It is a matter of concern that such patients are now being found – especially men of 40-50 years of age – who have never touched tobacco, yet they are getting throat cancer. Doctors suspect that HPV may be the reason behind this.
Early symptoms of throat cancer
According to doctors, if cancer is detected early then treatment is possible. Do not ignore these symptoms at all:
– Constant hoarseness of voice
– Sore throat for more than two weeks
– Difficulty swallowing
– ear pain
– lump in the neck or throat
– Unexplained weight loss
Dr. Subramaniam Iyer of Amrita Hospital, Faridabad says, “90% of head and neck cancers are lifestyle related. If detected early, treatment is completely possible. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the symptoms.”
Is the HPV vaccine effective?
The government recently launched an HPV vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls, primarily to prevent cervical cancer, but the vaccine can also prevent other cancers linked to HPV, such as throat cancer. Now experts are also advocating vaccination of boys, because HPV is spread through sexual contact and affects both sexes. Awareness is the most effective way of prevention.