Cancer group warns of oral sex risks

MANILA, Philippines - The Movement for Early Detection of Cancer (MEDCA) warned that oral sex can lead to cancer and various infections of the oral cavity, according to a statement released by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).

“The common practice of engaging in unprotected oral sex can lead to various infections of the oral cavity. Such recurrent infections can result in the formation of oral cancer,” said MEDCA convenor Dr. Vic Fileto Chua.

Chua noted that constant exposure to any kind of infections, including sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and herpes, “can cause serious irritations and repeatedly may lead to malignancies of the mouth.”

Dr. Roland dela Rosa, a pathologist who trained in Canada, said tobacco chewing and smoking can also contribute to the incidence of oral cancer.

“The earlier we detect malignancies in lesions of the mouth the better will be the prognosis for the patient,” he said.

Citing a study of the University of the Philippines’ Population Institute, the PMA reported that more than four million young Filipinos have already engaged in sexual activity.

“Based on Young Adult Fertility Survey 3, a total of 4.32 Filipinos aged 15 to 24 years are already sexually active. Of this number, only 20 percent use protection such as contraceptives,” the statement said.

Chua added that any lesion of the mouth should be taken seriously because although “not all can develop to cancer, the possibility of malignancy must always be considered.”

“A massive information and education campaign, most especially among high risk groups, should be undertaken to protect our people against oral cancer and its risk factors. Oral cancer is not popularly known compared to other types of cancer” he said.

Last week, a new medical breakthrough in Canada that can detect cancer at an early stage was introduced in the Philippines. It was developed by the British Columbia Cancer Agency of Canada in cooperation with the Canadian Perceptronics Medical Laboratories.

PMA president Dr. Oscar Tinio said the new technology will be a big boost to country’s efforts to save people from oral cancer by detecting cases early.

“We welcome new and accurate medical technologies that will lead to the earliest detection of cancer. The earlier we can identify the problem the greater the chance that we can save the lives of our patients.”

Chua said cancer is the third leading killer of Filipinos, but most of it can be prevented “since its risk factors are lifestyle and environmentally related.”

Philippine Dental Association vice-president Dr. Ronald Nuñez claimed that such technology is the first of its kind in the Philippines “and will directly benefit millions of our dental patients who are at risk of developing oral cancer.”

He said cancer is highly treatable if only the malignancy is diagnosed early and proper treatment is applied to patients.

The statement showed that the technology “uses sophisticated computer software that captures, measures and sorts imaged cell nuclei according to DNA ploidy and nuclear features.”

The procedure is “non-invasive, very fast, and very accurate” compared to the invasive technology for cancer detection being used in the country now.

Aside from this, it is cheaper at around P3,850 compared to the P15,000 to P30,000 being charged for existing diagnostic procedures in the country, depending on the hospital where it is done.

The new technology will be available in most dental clinics in Metro Manila by the end of this year but by February 2012, it will be offered in most dental clinics nationwide.