Man Diagnosed With Cancer Linked to Oral Sex From Decades Ago

A 62-year-old man, Jeff Bradford, has shared his experience of being diagnosed with stage-three throat cancer that doctors linked to the HPV16 virus contracted through oral sex decades earlier.

The case highlights the potential for human papillomavirus (HPV) to remain dormant in the body for many years before manifesting as a malignancy.

Initial Symptoms and Misdiagnosis

In March 2016, Jeff Bradford first noticed a tickly throat. At the time, he had been renovating his gym and working on the rafters in the loft, where he encountered significant amounts of insulation and dust.

Despite wearing a protective mask during the work, he developed a sore throat a few days later. Believing the irritation was caused by the dust, he initially attempted to treat the ailment by gargling soluble aspirin.

When the symptoms did not improve after two weeks, he consulted his GP. The physician diagnosed classic tonsillitis and prescribed antibiotics.

Following the failure of the first course of medication, Bradford visited a different doctor who provided a stronger dose of antibiotics and performed a throat swab before referring him to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Diagnosis and Surgical Intervention

Upon review of his records and photos, hospital specialists identified a sinister looking mass at the back of his throat. Bradford described the sensation as something touching the back of his tongue that caused him to gag.

A specialist examination led to a scheduled biopsy. During the procedure, the surgeon informed Bradford that the thumb-sized mass had doubled in size since the previous scan, leading to the recommendation for immediate removal.

The diagnosis was confirmed as stage-three throat cancer. Medical professionals informed him that the cancer was likely caused by the HPV16 virus, which he had contracted through oral sex with partners he had decades before meeting his wife.

I’ve had a few partners before I met my wife, but you just go about life like everyone else. You don’t expect when you’re young, ‘Do that and I might get cancer when I’m 50-odd’.

Jeff Bradford

Medical Context of HPV and Throat Cancer

The HPV16 strain is a known risk factor for various types of cancer, including those affecting the oropharynx (the back of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue).

In many cases, the virus can remain latent in the body for years or even decades without causing noticeable symptoms, only later triggering cellular changes that lead to tumor growth.

Bradford, who served as a corporal in the Royal Air Force for 14 years, has since issued warnings to others regarding the long-term risks associated with HPV and the importance of not dismissing persistent symptoms.