Study warns multiple sex partners’ increases risk of cancer

Promiscuity is never a good idea.  New research is backing this up warning that people who have had 10 or more sexual partners have a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer than those who have much fewer sexual partners.

This news is from a February 2020 study in the journal of BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, which found that men who reported having 10 or more sexual partners in their lifetimes were 69% more likely to have a cancer diagnosis of any kind, compared to men with one or two sexual partners. For women it is even worse – women with 10 or more sexual partners were 91% more likely to develop cancer.

Previous research has shown that specific sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may lead to several cancers. People, who have had a high number of sexual partners, will be exposing themselves to potential STIs, placing them at a greater risk of cancer in their future. Women especially, are vulnerable to this risk when compared to men as the link between certain STIs and cancer is stronger in women, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, when compared to HPV and penile cancer.

How the study was conducted

Researchers with this new study looked at existing data for more than 2500 men and approximately 3100 women who were age 50 or older with an average age of 64.  All participants were from Britain. During the 2012-2013 phase of the ongoing study, the participants were asked how many sexual partners they’d had during their lifetime which the researchers then compared their answers to self-reported diagnoses of cancer.  Researchers also looked at various chronic diseases the men and women reported having, including all cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Study results

Men were almost three times more likely to have had 10 or more sexual partners at a rate of 22%, whereas just 8% of women fell into this same category. About 28% of men and 41% of women stated they were virgins or had only one lifetime sex partner.

It was also found that the younger participants of this study were more likely to report more sexual partners.  However, lifestyle choices were likely a strong factor for increasing cancer risk and simply not brought on by sex itself. Researchers found that the more promiscuous participants also tended to report they drank and smoked more but also did more vigorous workouts. Smoking and alcohol consumption can increase the risk for cancer with certain sexually transmitted diseases. Income also appeared to be a factor as those who made more money had more sexual partners than those whose incomes were more middle class.

Conclusions from the study

People who regularly practice risky sexual encounters are placing themselves at risk for potential sexually transmitted infections.  For instance, HPV has been linked to cervical, oral, anal, and penile cancers while hepatitis B and C are tied to liver cancer. The scientists noted that it’s likely other viruses could be linked to other forms of cancer.

The best advice for those who’ve had multiple sex partners is to discuss this with their doctor on how to minimize their risk for either an STI or for cancer.  They should also be checked for STIs and have routine cancer screenings. 

This study should serve as a warning for older adults who are sexually active that they are also at risk for STIs, especially if they have unprotected sex. Safe sex practices should be used to protect themselves from getting an STI which could potentially place themselves at a higher risk for developing cancer. 

Dr. David B. Samadi is a Urologic Oncology Expert and Robotic Surgeon located at 485 Madison Avenue on the 21st floor, New York, NY – 212-365-5000.  Follow Dr. Samadi at www.samadimd.com,  www.prostatecancer911.com, and www.roboticoncology.com