Decades-Old STI From Oral Sex Leads to Life-Threatening Cancer

Jeff Bradford, a personal trainer in Britain, initially attributed his persistent sore throat to dust from renovations at his gym. However, weeks without improvement prompted him to seek medical attention, leading to a significant health revelation.

After initial treatments for tonsillitis with antibiotics proved ineffective, doctors at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary conducted further investigations months after his symptoms first appeared in 2016. One doctor, noting the unusual persistence of the condition, took photographs and prescribed stronger antibiotics, harbouring a suspicion that something more serious was at play.

By June 2016, following surgery, Bradford received a diagnosis of stage three throat cancer. A week later, the cause was identified as HPV16, a sexually transmitted infection. He was informed that the virus, typically transmitted through oral sex, had likely been present in his body for over three decades without detection.

Bradford, now 62, expressed surprise at the virus's ability to remain dormant for such an extended period before developing into cancer. He reflected on the unexpected nature of contracting a life-threatening illness decades after a youthful encounter.

He underwent an arduous treatment regimen of 35 radiotherapy sessions, describing the experience as extremely painful, with severe burns to his neck likened to a blowtorch. Despite the challenging treatment, Bradford received an all-clear diagnosis in August 2016.

Nearly a decade later, Bradford is sharing his personal journey to raise public awareness and encourage individuals to take health symptoms seriously. He believes open discussion about such issues is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure timely treatment, stating that not talking about it can lead people to avoid seeking necessary medical care.