They say smoking and or drinking is not the cause of one getting Hpv pos cancers, but wd you say that smoking and drinking is a risk factor in getting it?
Sone of the readings say most of those who develop hpv pos cancers are non smokers. Thoughts?
but wd you say that smoking and drinking is a risk factor in getting it?
Yes smoking and drinking increases the chance of getting HPV oropharyngeal cancer
AND alcohol/smoking is a cause of HPV negative oropharyngeal cancer too
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Yes it's a factor. I am and have always been a non smoker but I developed hpv pos cancer at the base of my tongue at 20 years old. I think there is also a genetic predisposition that plays a factor
My husband smoked and drank but he is hpv pos. So this is why I ask.
Yes you can get HPV driven cancer whether you smoke/drink or neither
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I developed hpv pos cancer at the base of my tongue at 20 years old. I think there is also a genetic predisposition that plays a facto
20!!?? My god! I am so sorry. You must have been shocked beyond belief. That’s where the genetic factor must come into play, especially considering HPV has a long latency. May I ask whether your diagnosis was delayed because of your youth and how far out of treatment you are?
Of course if you prefer not to say I apologise for the intrusion.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
hpv get to the oral cavity
Oral sex for one?
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Just said they thought it was hpv pos due to his smoking history
Smoking is thought to be involved in the virus persisting rather than being expelled by the immune system. It is this persistence in the cells that can lead to cancer
Have a read of this.
It explains a lot about HPV
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Of course, so I was misdiagnosed for over 6 months by multiple doctors until one finally suggested getting a biopsy and even the doctor that performed the biopsy said it looked like I bit my tongue and it got infected and results would be in a week...I got the call 2 days later. I was diagnosed and treated in 2008 and I'm turning 38 this year
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007