Earlier this year Sex Feed reported on human papillomavirus (HPV), the most commonly transmitted STD, being linked to higher incidence of oral cancer. Now a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reports that “HPV-positive tumors now account for a majority of these cases of what is called oropharyngeal cancer,” the AP reports.

Men seem to be the ones most affected by the increase: “While women sometimes get oral cancer caused by the HPV, the risk is greatest and rising among men,” and the story raises the question of whether the HPV vaccine might be effective against oral HPV. At the moment the maker of Gardasil - Merck & Co., have “has no plans for an oral cancer study.”

Dr. Maura Gillson, senior author of the new research, said that protection against oral HPV hasn’t been studied in either gender, which is important because “it’s possible to have HPV in one part of the body and not the other,” the AP reports Gillson as saying.

Overall cases of oropharyngeal cancer have increased 28% since 1998 while other head and neck cancers have declined.

Dr. Amy Chen of the American Cancer Society and Emory University warned that “just because you're not a smoker or drinker doesn't mean you can't get throat cancer,” and the AP notes that symptoms, such as a sore throat that lasts longer than two weeks, should be checked out.

And as always, when you play, play safe!