Health Experts Warn Zimbabwean Youth: Oral Lula Linked to Cancer

Young people are being cautioned against engaging in oral lula, as it increases the risk of transmitting the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to various types of cancer, including oral and cervical cancer.

The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) has raised the alarm following research that links a surge in oral cancers in the UK and the US to oral sexual activity, particularly among individuals with multiple partners.

Since the mid-2000s, cases of oropharyngeal cancer—a type of oral cancer—have been rising in these regions, with HPV identified as a major contributing factor.

Oral Lula Linked to Cancer
In Zimbabwe, cervical cancer remains the most common HPV-related cancer, accounting for over 30% of all cancer cases. Other HPV-associated cancers, such as oral, penile, and vulvar cancers, have been reported, but their numbers remain significantly lower.

CAZ’s Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Lovemore Makurirofa, explained the risks in an interview with HealthTimes.

“Yes, it is a fact that oral sex is one of the risk factors for HPV-related cancers,” said Makurirofa. “Our data in Zimbabwe does not show an increase in oral cancer cases. The numbers are very low, fewer than 10 cases per year, so we cannot say there is a rapid rise in oral-related cancers. However, the link exists, and it’s important to educate the public on the risks of oral sex and HPV.”

Makurirofa noted that while oral cancers remain rare in Zimbabwe, there’s a need to educate the public about the potential risks.

“Other HPV-related cancers, such as penile and vulvar cancers, are also not significantly increasing in Zimbabwe. However, we know these cases could be linked to HPV. We currently lack data to confirm whether the few oral cancer cases we see are directly caused by HPV or oral sex, as further tests are required to establish such connections,” he explained.

HPV can cause cellular changes that lead to cancer after transmission during oral lula. Additionally, oral sexual activity has been associated with other complications, such as mouth rashes.

Rising Cases of Oesophageal Cancer
The latest data from the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry highlights a troubling increase in oesophagal cancer cases, now among the leading causes of cancer deaths in Zimbabwe.

For men, oesophageal cancer constitutes 10% of all cancer deaths, second only to prostate cancer at 23%. In women, it accounts for 6% of cancer deaths, making it the third leading cause of cancer fatalities after cervical cancer (22.5%) and breast cancer (12.9%).

Makurirofa pointed out the need for further research into whether oesophagal cancer cases in Zimbabwe are HPV-related.