When Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas revealed more than a decade ago that his throat cancer may have been linked to oral sex, it shocked Hollywood and reignited a medical debate that is still unfolding today. Now, as the 79-year-old star reflects on his diagnosis and recovery, public health experts are warning that the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) — often spread through oral sex — is driving a worrying rise in throat cancer cases worldwide.
Douglas first spoke about his illness in a 2013 interview with The Guardian, telling a reporter that his cancer was caused by HPV contracted through oral sex. His candor drew both praise for breaking a taboo and criticism for linking his illness to his sexual history. He later clarified that smoking and drinking had also played a role, but the conversation he sparked has only grown louder in medical circles.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the country, and certain strains can lead to cancers of the cervix, anus, penis, and throat. While most HPV infections clear up on their own, persistent high-risk strains can cause cells to mutate over time. The oropharyngeal cancers linked to HPV — which affect the base of the tongue, tonsils, and throat walls — are now more common in men than cervical cancer is in women.
HPV-related throat cancers in men have increased 300% over the past two decades, experts warn. Vaccination remains key prevention. pic.twitter.com/Z2aR2zFfYV— Medical News Today (@mednews_today) August 9, 2025
For Douglas, the journey began with a sore throat that wouldn’t go away. In an interview with ABC News, he recalled how his doctors initially misdiagnosed the condition as a persistent infection. By the time he received the correct diagnosis — stage IV oropharyngeal cancer — the tumor had spread. “The moment you hear the words ‘you have cancer,’ your whole world stops,” Douglas said.
The actor underwent intense radiation and chemotherapy, a grueling process that left him unable to eat solid food for months. He described lying awake at night in “a fog of exhaustion and fear,” while wife Catherine Zeta-Jones stood by his side. Friends, including fellow actors like Danny DeVito, sent constant messages of support, something Douglas later credited with helping him push through the darkest days.
Medical researchers have been sounding the alarm about the link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer for years. A landmark 2011 study published in JAMA found that HPV was present in 63% of such cancers diagnosed in the United States. By 2018, the number had risen to more than 70%, according to data compiled by the National Cancer Institute.
Doctors say HPV is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer in the U.S., surpassing tobacco. pic.twitter.com/mS56GmFhDQ— Healthline (@Healthline) August 9, 2025
Douglas has since become an informal advocate for HPV awareness, telling Vanity Fair that he wished more men knew about the risks. “It’s not about embarrassment — it’s about prevention,” he said, noting that the HPV vaccine, widely recommended for teens, can drastically reduce the risk of developing related cancers later in life.
The vaccine’s introduction in 2006 was initially aimed at preventing cervical cancer in women, but multiple studies have confirmed its effectiveness in reducing oral HPV infections as well. The CDC now recommends vaccination for boys and girls starting at age 11 or 12, with catch-up doses available up to age 26. Some medical groups, including the American Dental Association, have called for expanding awareness campaigns to include adults.
For men, the statistics are sobering. A report from the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2025, more than 25,000 men will be diagnosed with HPV-related throat cancers in the United States alone. The disease often develops years or even decades after the initial infection, meaning many men are unaware they carry the virus until symptoms — such as a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the neck — appear.
Michael Douglas says speaking openly about HPV and throat cancer is “a duty to future generations.” pic.twitter.com/Q1aDqJjB8l— People (@people) August 9, 2025
Douglas’s willingness to discuss his case publicly has had ripple effects beyond Hollywood. Following his disclosure, Google searches for “HPV throat cancer” spiked, according to research published in the journal Health Communication. Doctors say such spikes in public interest can lead to earlier detection, as more people recognize symptoms and seek medical advice.
The actor’s recovery took years, but by 2013 he was cancer-free, returning to acting with roles in films like Behind the Candelabra and later Marvel’s Ant-Man franchise. In interviews with The Hollywood Reporter, Douglas said the experience permanently changed his outlook on life, making him “less afraid to speak bluntly about things people are afraid to mention.”
Still, stigma remains a major hurdle. Some patients, particularly men, are reluctant to disclose an HPV link due to misconceptions about sexual behavior. Dr. Maura Gillison, a leading HPV researcher at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, told reporters that this stigma can delay treatment. “Cancer is never the patient’s fault. We have to separate the virus from the blame,” she said.
Awareness efforts are beginning to change attitudes. Campaigns like The Throat Cancer Foundation have worked to normalize discussions around HPV-related throat cancers, highlighting survivor stories and promoting vaccination. Social media has also played a role, with survivors sharing their journeys on platforms like Instagram and Twitter to encourage others to seek screening.
Survivors of HPV-related throat cancer share their journeys to raise awareness and fight stigma. pic.twitter.com/LMnF9zV8Pd— Cancer Survivors Net (@CancerSurvivorNet) August 9, 2025
For Douglas, the decision to speak openly was rooted in the belief that silence can be deadly. “If telling my story means one person gets vaccinated or one doctor catches a tumor early, it’s worth it,” he told Entertainment Tonight. His message echoes that of public health experts who say education is the most powerful weapon against preventable cancers.
Today, more than a decade after his diagnosis, Douglas says he feels stronger — not just physically, but in his resolve to speak about difficult truths. While he acknowledges the controversy his comments stirred, he remains unapologetic about linking his illness to HPV. “This isn’t about me,” he told The New York Times. “It’s about making sure the next generation doesn’t have to go through what I did.”