How Michael Douglas reacted when he was told his cancer was caused from oral sex.
August 9, 2025•3 min read
Hollywood legend Michael Douglas shocked the world in 2013 when he linked his stage 4 throat cancer to HPV (human papillomavirus) — specifically through oral sex.
The now 80-year-old Oscar winner has long been open about his past struggles with smoking, alcohol, and substance use. In the 1990s, he even checked into rehab in Arizona to treat alcohol abuse, though tabloids at the time also speculated about “sex addiction,” a claim Douglas denied.
The Headline-Making Comment
In an interview with The Guardian, Douglas was asked whether his cancer could be blamed on years of smoking and drinking. His reply:
The star made headlines when he checked into rehab in the 1990s (Pool ARNAL/GARCIA/PICOT/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
“No… this particular cancer is caused by something called HPV, which actually comes about from cunnilingus.”
While he later denied making the comment, the publication released audio and transcripts confirming it.
According to The Cleveland Clinic, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., and certain strains — like HPV type 16 — are linked to cancers of the cervix, anus, and throat.
A Walnut-Sized Surprise
Douglas’ health scare began in 2010 after months of persistent oral discomfort. Multiple doctor visits yielded no answers until a friend’s physician in Montreal spotted the real issue — a walnut-sized tumor at the base of his tongue.
Douglas unusually denied some treatment while battling the cancer (Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images)
The diagnosis? Stage 4 throat cancer — often considered life-threatening. Douglas began an aggressive 8-week course of chemotherapy and radiation. Refusing a feeding tube, he endured severe mouth burns and a liquid-only diet, losing nearly 45 pounds in the process.
“That’s a rough ride… it zaps all the good stuff too. It made me very weak,” Douglas recalled.
The Recovery and Reality Check
Two years later, Douglas was declared cancer-free and remains in remission. However, experts, including London head and neck surgeon Mahesh Kumar, have stressed that while HPV can indeed cause oropharyngeal cancer, more exposure to the virus is not a cure — a playful remark Douglas made at the time that isn’t backed by science.
Not Alone in His Diagnosis
Douglas on the set of Basic Interest with Sharon Stone (Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)
Douglas isn’t the only one to receive such news. Frank Lane, 60, from the UK, was told his throat cancer was likely HPV-related after doctors spotted a tumor “the size of a boiled egg” in his mouth.
Why This Matters
HPV-related throat cancers are rising, especially among men. The good news? Prevention is possible through the HPV vaccine and regular health screenings.
Key Takeaway: Michael Douglas’ story is a reminder that HPV isn’t just a women’s health concern — it’s a shared health issue. Early detection, awareness, and prevention remain the best defenses.
