Beliefs about Oral Sex, Oral Health and Oral Cancer

Introduction: More than half of 650,000 patients who receive diagnosis of oral cancer worldwide each year will die in less than 12 months. Human Papillomavirus strain 16 (HPV-16) is prevalent in ano-genital and cervical malignancies and has been an independent risk factor for oral cancer. HPV is easily transmitted through skin and mucosal contact such as through oral sex practices. Health professionals may not necessarily discuss such practices with their patients who might be at risk for oral cancer.

Objective: To conduct a pilot study exploring quantitatively the health values and beliefs of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Trans-identified, Two-spirit, Intersexed and Questioning– GLBTTTIQ men and women about HPV, oral sex and oral cancer.

Methods: A brief and anonymous questionnaire was applied in a purposeful sample of GLBTTTIQ men and women from 4 different locations in Vancouver. Questions included frequency of performing oral sex, number of partners and if the respondents were asked about sexual practices by their dentists

Results: An initial pilot testing gathered data from 70 gay, bisexual and transgendered men and women between ages of 18 and 69. 90% of the respondents were never asked about oral sex practices by the dentist even though 50% of them had frequently engaged in oral sex with 4 or more different partners for the past 30 days. In general, 32 participants accounted oral sex as a low to moderated risk activity for the transmission of HPV

Conclusions: There is a need to fully understanding the reasons behind the beliefs expressed by the participants and to increase rapport between dentists and their patients to encourage an open discussion about risk activities for oral cancer other than tobacco and alcohol. Another study is underway to start addressing these needs and the questionnaire is being applied within a straight sample of the population.