Michael Douglas Says Cunnilingus More Linked To His Cancer Than Smoking

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Over the weekend, Michael Douglas was asked whether he regretted his years of heavy drinking and heavy smoking since it ultimately led to throat cancer. His response caught many people by surprise. Apparently, he does not because his version of throat cancer is often caused by cunnilingus.

Here’s what Douglas told The Guardian when asked about regretting the chainsmoking…

"No. Because without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV, which actually comes about from cunnilingus."

Of course, the quote flew around the Internet at a rate only the shared power of sex and disease can achieve. From comedians to scientists to doctors, tons of people passed around the comment and aired their on thoughts yesterday and this morning, but if the actor’s rep is to be believed what his client was trying to convey was actually a bit more complicated. Here’s how the publicist contextualized the quote to USA Today…

”Michael Douglas did not say cunnilingus was the cause of his cancer. It was discussed that oral sex is a suspected cause of certain oral cancers as doctor's in the article point out but he did not say it was the specific cause of his personal cancer."

Regardless of what Douglas did or did not say, it’s really nice to see him back in the public eye. He’s a great actor and Behind The Candelabra was the perfect reminder of that. He’s been cancer free for the last two years, and with throat cancer, whatever it may have been caused by, Douglas’ chances of permanently being in the clear are actually pretty good.

Mack Rawden
Editor In Chief

Mack Rawden is the Editor-In-Chief of CinemaBlend. He first started working at the publication as a writer back in 2007 and has held various jobs at the site in the time since including Managing Editor, Pop Culture Editor and Staff Writer. He now splits his time between working on CinemaBlend’s user experience, helping to plan the site’s editorial direction and writing passionate articles about niche entertainment topics he’s into. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English (go Hoosiers!) and has been interviewed and quoted in a variety of publications including Digiday. Enthusiastic about Clue, case-of-the-week mysteries, a great wrestling promo and cookies at Disney World. Less enthusiastic about the pricing structure of cable, loud noises and Tuesdays.