Michael Douglas theorizes that oral sex may have caused throat cancer

Legendary actor Michael Douglas was doing a promotional interview for his work on HBO’s Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra when he dropped some rather interesting information in regards to his struggle with stage-four throat cancer.

While most attributed the 68-year-old’s 2010 diagnosis to his years of drinking and smoking he provided The Guardian with a different explanation…

Here was Douglas’ response when asked if the cancer, which he’s been free of for 2 years after undergoing extensive chemotherapy, was a result of “overloading his system” with tobacco and alcohol.

“No. Because, without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV [human papillomavirus], which actually comes about from cunnilingus. I mean, I did worry if the stress caused by my son’s incarceration didn’t help trigger it. But yeah, it’s a sexually transmitted disease that causes cancer. And if you have it, cunnilingus is also the best cure for it.”

The Associated Press followed up on this statement with Dr. Michael Brady, a specialist in the field of sexual health, and he stated that the actor’s dalliances could have contributed to his throat cancer but that it’s difficult to pinpoint a cause. He added that there are hundreds of variant HPV viruses and that the risk is so low, he doesn’t believe people should change their bedroom practices.

E! reached out to Douglas’ rep who attempted to clarify what was written, “He did not say this was the cause of his cancer. In a discussion of oral cancer, he said this is one of the suspected causes. He never made it personal.”

Douglas has been married to Catherine Zeta-Jones since 2000. The Oscar winner is apparently a busy man in his professional life as well, as IMDB shows him lined up for roles in 4 upcoming films.

Photo: WENN