Father's Throat Cancer Shockingly Linked to HPV from Past Sexual Activity
Jeff Bradford, a 62-year-old father from Forres, Moray, Scotland, initially attributed his persistent sore throat in 2016 to dust exposure during gym renovations. However, medical investigations revealed a far more serious and unexpected cause: stage-three throat cancer likely triggered by the HPV16 virus, which he had contracted through oral sex decades earlier.
From Dust to Diagnosis: A Medical Journey
In March 2016, Jeff experienced a tickly throat after working in the loft of his gym, where dust and insulation were prevalent. Despite wearing a mask, he developed a sore throat that persisted beyond typical irritation. He attempted home remedies like gargling soluble aspirin, assuming it was a routine ailment. After two weeks without improvement, he visited his GP, who diagnosed tonsillitis and prescribed antibiotics.
When symptoms continued, Jeff saw another doctor who provided stronger medication and took a throat swab, leading to a referral to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. At the hospital, specialists noted abnormalities and scheduled a biopsy. During the procedure, surgeons discovered a thumb-sized mass at the back of his throat that had doubled in size since initial scans, prompting immediate removal.
The Shocking Revelation of HPV-Linked Cancer
Post-surgery, Jeff was informed he had stage-three throat cancer. Further tests confirmed the cancer was caused by the HPV16 strain, a virus typically transmitted through sexual activity, most commonly oral sex. Jeff expressed shock, stating he was unaware of HPV and its connection to cancer, with doctors believing he contracted the virus years before meeting his wife, Heidi Bradford.
"A week later I went back and that's when they mentioned HPV, I didn't know what that was. HPV is caught through sexual transmission, it's normally from oral sex. I was totally shocked it was from that," Jeff recalled, highlighting the delayed impact of the virus.
Gruelling Treatment and Recovery
Jeff endured an intensive treatment regimen, including chemotherapy and 35 rounds of radiotherapy. The radiotherapy caused severe burns on his neck, which he described as feeling like a blowtorch had been applied, leaving him bed-bound for three months. Despite the challenges, he has now been cancer-free for a decade, attributing his survival to timely medical intervention.
Urging Vigilance and Open Discussion
Jeff now advocates for greater awareness, urging others not to ignore persistent symptoms like sore throats. "If someone has a persistent sore throat my advice is to get it checked out, it could be easily missed if you don't push it," he emphasized. He also calls for candid conversations about HPV and its risks, noting that embarrassment might deter people from seeking treatment.
"It's a normal, sexual activity with somebody you love... I would never say to anyone 'give up oral sex'... but it might put people off that. I think if it's not talked about quite candidly it'll get brushed under the carpet," Jeff explained, stressing the importance of education.
Understanding HPV and Its Risks
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses affecting skin and moist membranes, including the mouth and throat. According to the NHS, it is primarily transmitted through sexual activity, including oral sex, and can lead to cellular changes that may develop into cancers, such as cervical or throat cancer. Jeff's case underscores how HPV infections can remain dormant for years before manifesting as serious health issues.
Reflecting on his experience, Jeff described it as "bad luck," noting that while he had previous partners before marriage, he never anticipated such long-term consequences. "You don't expect when you're young 'do that and I might get cancer when I'm 50-odd'," he said, highlighting the unpredictable nature of HPV-related cancers.
