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Michael Douglas says cancer was caused by oral sex

Actor claims that throat cancer was down to sexually transmitted virus

Douglas... says cancer was caused by sexually transmitted virus (Copyright: HBO)

Michael Douglas has revealed that his cancer was believed to have been caused by oral sex.

Douglas, who is currently starring in the acclaimed Steven Soderbergh biopic of Liberace, 'Behind The Candelabra', made the personal comments in an interview with The Guardian.

The 68-year-old actor was asked whether he thought whether years of smoking and drinking may have been the cause of his throat cancer, which was diagnosed in 2010.

“No,” he replied. “Because without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV [human papillomavirus], which actually comes about from cunnilingus.

[Soderbergh: Liberace film rejected for being 'too gay']


“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.”

Douglas, the star of films including 'Wall Street', 'The Game' and 'Falling Down' went on to reveal how he lost 20kg during his treatment, due to a liquids only diet.

“That's a rough ride. That can really take it out of you,” he added. “Plus the amount of chemo I was getting, it zaps all the good stuff too. It made me very weak.”

But the treatment was a success, with a 95% likelihood that it will not return.