Philadelphia Inquirer: HPV is causing an oral cancer epidemic in men by outwitting natural defenses
Five years ago, when actor Michael Douglas candidly revealed that his throat cancer was linked to having oral sex, two things happened.
He made headlines that mortified his family. And he helped publicize the fact that a pervasive, sexually transmitted virus called HPV was unleashing an epidemic of oral cancer among men.
Compared with women, men are more likely to get infected with HPV — including “high-risk” cancer-causing strains. They also are less able to wipe out infection on their own, and more likely to get reinfected. The reasons are unclear.
Your dentist should play a key role in detecting oral cancer. Having an thorough oral cancer screening is the first step to catching this dangerous cancer early.
Did you know that Dr. Henley is the ONLY general dentist in Jacksonville that serves on the Head and Neck Tumor Board at Baptist MD Anderson? The tumor board is a multi-specialty group that works together using the latest in dentistry and medicine to ensure that cancer patients have the best possible outcomes.
Five years ago, when actor Michael Douglas candidly revealed that his throat cancer was linked to having oral sex, two things happened.
He made headlines that mortified his family. And he helped publicize the fact that a pervasive, sexually transmitted virus called HPV was unleashing an epidemic of oral cancer among men.
Compared with women, men are more likely to get infected with HPV — including “high-risk” cancer-causing strains. They also are less able to wipe out infection on their own, and more likely to get reinfected. The reasons are unclear.
Your dentist should play a key role in detecting oral cancer. Having an thorough oral cancer screening is the first step to catching this dangerous cancer early.
Did you know that Dr. Henley is the ONLY general dentist in Jacksonville that serves on the Head and Neck Tumor Board at Baptist MD Anderson? The tumor board is a multi-specialty group that works together using the latest in dentistry and medicine to ensure that cancer patients have the best possible outcomes.
E-cigarettes 'just as harmful as tobacco' for oral health
Electronic cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. When it comes to oral health, however, new research suggests vaping may be just as harmful as smoking.
E-cigarettes 'just as harmful as tobacco' for oral health
In an article published by Medical News today discussed that a recent study found that the chemicals present in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) vapor were equally as damaging - in some cases, more damaging - to mouth cells as tobacco smoke. Such damage can lead to an array of oral health problems, including gum disease, tooth loss, and mouth cancer.
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices containing a heating device and a cartridge that holds a liquid solution. The heating device vaporizes the liquid - usually when the user "puffs" on the device - and the resulting vapor is inhaled.
While e-cigarette liquids do not contain tobacco - a highly harmful component of conventional cigarettes - they do contain nicotine and other chemicals, including flavoring agents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the use of e-cigarettes has increased in recent years, particularly among young people. In 2015, 16 percent of high-school students reported using the devices, compared with just 1.5 percent in 2011.
You can read the whole article here
April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Oral Cancer screening and prevention is something that we take very seriously at Henley & Kelly. That's why we perform an oral cancer screening (OCS) on every patient, at every visit.
Pre-Malignant Lesion Found on the Tongue of a Non-Smoker. Photo: Dr. C.J. Henley
Oral cancer screening and prevention are taken seriously in this practice. For that reason, an oral cancer screening is performed routinely as part of comprehensive dental care — not only when symptoms are present.
Early detection matters. Many oral cancers are highly treatable when identified early, but can be far more complex once they progress. Screening is a simple step that plays an important role in long-term health.
Oral Cancer Is Changing
Historically, oral cancer was most commonly associated with tobacco and alcohol use. While those remain risk factors, they no longer account for the majority of cases.
Today, the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancer in the United States is infection with certain high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is extremely common — most sexually active adults are exposed at some point in their lives — and in the vast majority of cases, the immune system clears the virus without consequence.
It is important to understand that:
There are nearly 200 identified strains of HPV
Only a small number are associated with cancer
Most infections never lead to disease
HPV-related oral cancers are not the result of poor oral hygiene and often occur in patients with no traditional risk factors.
What an Oral Cancer Screening Involves
An oral cancer screening is a careful evaluation of the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, throat, and surrounding structures. The goal is to identify changes that may warrant further monitoring or referral — often before symptoms develop.
Screening is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes, but it reflects a broader commitment to comprehensive, medically informed dental care.
Prevention, Awareness, and Ongoing Care
Oral health is closely connected to overall health. Staying informed, attending regular dental visits, and addressing changes early are all part of responsible long-term care.
This practice remains actively engaged in oral medicine and current research related to oral cancer, HPV, and medically complex care. Questions are always welcome, and patients are encouraged to discuss concerns openly — whether related to risk factors, screening, or symptoms.
A Thoughtful, Evidence-Based Approach
Oral cancer awareness is not about fear — it is about knowledge, vigilance, and appropriate evaluation. Routine screening is one of the many ways dentistry can support broader health goals and early intervention when it matters most.
Reviewed and updated January 2026