The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) has cautioned young people about the risks associated with the practice of using the mouth to please their partners., following findings from an online survey indicating an increasing trend among the youth.
Further highlighting its association with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which is known to increase the risk of various cancers, including 0ral and c3rvical cancer, Lovemore Makurirofa, CAZ’s Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, addressed the concerns in an interview with HealthTimes
He emphasizing the importance of public education regarding HPV and 0ral s3x. “Yes, it is a fact that 0ral s3x is one of the risk factors for HPV-related cancers,” he stated.
He acknowledged that while Zimbabwe has not experienced a significant rise in 0ral cancer cases—reporting fewer than 10 cases per year—public awareness is essential.
“Although 0ral cancers remain rare in Zimbabwe, it’s crucial to educate the public on the risks,” Makurirofa added. “Other HPV-related cancers, such as p3nile and vulv@r cancers, are also not significantly increasing. However, we are aware these cases could be linked to HPV. Currently, we lack sufficient data to confirm if the few 0ral canc3r cases we observe are directly caused by HPV or oral s3x, as further testing is needed.”
Makurirofa explained how HPV can induce cellular changes that may lead to cancer after transmission during oral lula. Moreover, 0ral s3xual activity has been associated with additional complications, such as mouth rashes.
Research indicates a concerning rise in 0ral cancers in the UK and the US linked to 0ral s3xual activity, particularly among those with multiple partners.
Specifically, cases of 0r0pharyngeal cancer—a type of oral cancer—have been escalating since the mid-2000s, with HPV identified as a significant factor.
In Zimbabwe, cervical cancer remains the most common HPV-related cancer, accounting for over 30% of all cancer cases.
While other cancers associated with HPV, such as 0ral, p3nile, and vulvar cancers, have been reported, their prevalence is notably lower.
In addition to concerns about oral cancers, troubling data from the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry has revealed a rise in oesophageal cancer cases, now among the leading causes of cancer d3aths in the country.
Oesophageal cancer comprises 10% of cancer d3aths among men—second only to prostate cancer, which accounts for 23%—and 6% among women, making it the third leading cause of cancer fatalities after cervical cancer (22.5%) and br3ast cancer (12.9%).
