Why Men Are More Often Affected by HPV-Related Oral Cancers, According to Experts

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. Many people who carry the virus never develop symptoms, but in some cases it can lead to genital warts or certain types of cancer years later.

Health authorities report that there are more than 200 different strains of HPV. While most infections clear naturally within about two years, roughly 14 strains are considered high-risk because they can cause precancerous changes and cancer.

In recent years, researchers have noticed a concerning trend: men appear to develop HPV-related cancers of the mouth and throat more often than women.

How common is HPV?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.

Estimates suggest that:

• Around 10% of men carry the virus

• About 3.6% of women carry it

Most people who contract HPV never know they have it because the body’s immune system often clears the virus naturally.

However, in some cases the infection can persist and eventually lead to cancer.

HPV and throat cancer

Certain high-risk HPV strains are known to cause cancers in the back of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue. These cancers are collectively known as oropharyngeal cancers.

Experts note that it can take many years — sometimes decades — for HPV infection to develop into cancer.

A widely discussed case involved Michael Douglas, who was diagnosed with stage-four throat cancer in 2010. The actor later stated that HPV infection could have been a contributing factor, while also acknowledging smoking and alcohol as potential influences.

Why are men more affected?

According to cancer epidemiologist Karis Betts from Cancer Research UK, several factors may explain why HPV-related oral cancers appear more frequently in men.

One key reason is the interaction between HPV and other risk factors historically more common among men.

Betts explained that head and neck cancers — including those linked to HPV — have traditionally been more common in men because of behaviors such as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption.

These habits can damage tissues in the mouth and throat, making them more vulnerable to cancer development when HPV infection is present.

Betts also noted that certain populations face higher risk levels. For example:

• Men who have sex with men have a higher risk compared with heterosexual men.

• Straight women who have sex with men show higher risk than women who have sex exclusively with women.

Because of this increased risk, HPV vaccination programs in some countries extend eligibility for certain groups up to around age 40.

The role of vaccination

Although there is no cure for HPV, vaccination can protect against the most dangerous strains of the virus.

Health experts emphasize that the vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, which is why it is commonly recommended for adolescents.

Vaccination, along with regular screening programs such as cervical screening, remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing HPV-related cancers.

Lifestyle factors still matter

Experts stress that HPV infection alone does not automatically lead to cancer. Other lifestyle factors play a significant role in determining risk.

Reducing tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption can significantly lower the likelihood of developing head and neck cancers.

Betts noted that avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol intake may have an even greater impact on reducing cancer risk than worrying about HPV infection alone.

Warning signs of throat cancer

Medical specialists, including those at Cleveland Clinic, recommend seeking medical advice if the following symptoms persist:

• A persistent sore throat

• Pain or difficulty swallowing

• Trouble opening the mouth fully or moving the tongue

• Unexplained weight loss

• Ongoing ear pain without a clear cause

• A lump in the throat or mouth

• Swelling in the neck

• Coughing up blood

• A white patch in the mouth or on the tongue that does not disappear

A reminder about prevention

HPV infections are extremely common, and in most cases the immune system clears them without long-term health problems.

However, awareness of the virus, vaccination when recommended, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits remain important steps in lowering the risk of HPV-related cancers.

Early medical attention for unusual symptoms can also play a key role in successful treatment and better outcomes.