“Oral sex gave me cancer,” reveals journalist

England’s Max Channon says he feels lucky despite throat cancer diagnosis: ‘I’ve had too much fun to have any regrets’

British journalist Max Channon has made a startling revelation about his experience with cancer. In a recent report published in Daily espressoChannon spoke about the impact that HPV-related oral cancer has had on her life, stressing the importance of raising awareness about the issue.

Max Channon, who suffered from HPV16-positive oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils, said he was compelled to share his personal experience. Channon also admitted that revealing intimate details of his life was a great challenge.

“For most people, HPV is a silent infection that the immune system can control. However, in my case, HPV took hold permanently, causing cancer,” Channon explained.

According to the Ministry of Health, in Brazil it is estimated that there are between 9 and 10 million people infected with HPV and that 700 thousand new cases of infection occur each year. Studies indicate that approximately 80% of the sexually active population must be infected with the virus at some point in their lives.

Although most infections are asymptomatic and resolve naturally, some can lead to serious cancers if left untreated.

Channon noted that the discovery of his cancer came at a time when he was still recovering from treatment.

“HPV decided not to disappear when it passed through my lips. Instead, it took up permanent residence in my left amygdala. And, not content with occupying my area for decades, my secret tenant began to remodel the cells,” the reporter said.

However, Channon says he wouldn’t change his habits if he could go back in time.

“I’m sure that smoking for 30 years, going to the occasional party, and having a glass (or three) of whiskey every now and then didn’t help. However, if science says that oral sex, not hedonism, caused my cancer, who am I to disagree? […] If I could go back in time, I probably wouldn’t change anything. I had too much fun to have any regrets,” he said.

Fortunately, after less than a year, he was able to overcome the disease and is now cancer-free. However, he stressed that awareness of the risks of HPV is crucial.

“I feel very lucky”

“Even though cunnilingus gave me cancer—and the brutal treatment that cured me nearly broke me—I feel very lucky. For many people, the fight against cancer takes years. Having lost my mother to bladder cancer more than a decade ago, I know all too well that a positive outcome like mine is far from guaranteed,” he said.

Getting vaccinated against HPV is the most effective measure to prevent infection. In Brazil, the vaccine is distributed free of charge by the SUS to:

• Girls and boys aged 9 to 14 years, with a single dose regimen;
• Women and men with HIV, solid organ transplant recipients, bone marrow transplant recipients or cancer patients aged 9 to 45 years, with a three-dose schedule regardless of age, applied at 0 – 2 – 6 months (second dose two months after the first and third 6 months after the first dose);
• Sexual abuse victims, immunocompetent, aged 15 to 45 years (men and women) who have not received the HPV vaccine or have an incomplete schedule, with a 2-dose schedule for persons aged 9 to 14 years and 3 doses for persons aged 15 to 45 years;
• HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users, aged 15 to 45 years, who have not received the HPV vaccine or are on an incomplete schedule (according to the schedule recommended for their age or special situation), with a 3-dose schedule.
• Patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis/RRP aged 2 years and older.

The vaccine does not prevent infections from all types of HPV, but it targets the most common types: 6, 11, 16, and 18.

PrEP users and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) can be vaccinated against HPV at any public vaccination centre (vaccination centre, CRIE, Customer Service/SAE, Testing and Reception Centre), provided they present any type of proof that they are taking PrEP or antiretroviral treatment (ART).

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.