In 2010, Michael Douglas was diagnosed with advanced throat cancer, a revelation that shocked many when he later shared how the disease was linked to his personal life. The two-time Oscar winner disclosed in a candid 2013 interview that his cancer was caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which he contracted through oral sex, specifically cunnilingus. Douglas recounted how he had struggled with oral discomfort for months before a doctor finally discovered a walnut-sized tumor at the base of his tongue—a serious cancer that had gone unnoticed by other physicians.
Douglas’s openness brought attention to an important link between oral sex and HPV-related throat cancers, a connection supported by scientific research. Studies have shown that having multiple oral sex partners increases the risk of contracting HPV, which can cause cancers in the mouth and throat. In fact, the risk from HPV is now recognized as a growing cause of throat cancers, sometimes surpassing traditional risks like smoking and alcohol.
Douglas bravely addressed the stigma around HPV-associated cancers and encouraged public awareness. He underwent aggressive treatment involving chemotherapy and radiation, and today he is cancer-free, continuing regular check-ups to monitor his health. His story sparked conversations worldwide about the importance of understanding HPV as a cancer risk and the need for preventive measures such as vaccination.
