A study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York found that oral sex dramatically increases the risk of head and cancers. The new research suggested that people carrying the virus in their mouth were an alarming 22 times more likely to develop a lethal tumor. The disease is one that has been believed to affect smokers and heavy drinkers however oral sex is now found to be the main culprit for bringing the HPV virus to the mouth.

The group of HPV viruses affect the skin and moist membranes which line the body, including the anus, cervix and mouth and throat. HPV-16 is a well-known cause of oropharyngeal tumours – those which affect the middle part of the throat including the soft palate, the base of the tongue and the tonsils.

HPV affects almost everyone at some stage of their lives and usually the immune system fights it off but on rare occasions the virus leads to a chain of events that ends in cancer of the cervix, penis, anus, vagina or mouth.

The new study backs claims made by actor Michael Douglas. The Fatal Attraction star had said that the cause of his own oropharyngeal cancer had been caused by performing cunnilingus, though his rep later denied that. Still, the study finds that there is a link. Worst still, cases of oral cancer have risen over the past 30 years.

Dr. Ilir Agalliu of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, said: “This study shows using easily collected oral mouthwash samples may help in predicting people’s risk for developing head and neck cancers.”