Did oral sex bring about Michael Douglas' cancer diagnosis? Not exactly
June 3rd, 2013
11:46 AM ET

Did oral sex bring about Michael Douglas' cancer diagnosis? Not exactly

When the world first learned that Michael Douglas was battling cancer in 2010, all that was disclosed was that the actor had a tumor in his throat and that he was optimistic about beating the disease.

Now, three years later and after declaring victory over his diagnosis, the 68-year-old star has opened up on what could have potentially caused the harrowing experience - one of them being oral sex.

In an interview with the U.K.'s Guardian, Douglas was asked whether he regretted smoking and drinking in the past, two activities that were presumed to be contributing factors to his illness. Douglas responded with a straightforward "no," because "this particular cancer is caused by HPV [human papillomavirus], which actually comes about from cunnilingus."

The "Behind the Candelabra" star, who didn't want "to get too specific," added that he 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."

However, a rep for Douglas told CNN that the actor never specifically said that HPV caused his cancer diagnosis in 2010 - only that it was one of many possible causes.

For more on the link between HPV and oral cancers, check out CNN Health: "Yes, oral sex can lead to cancer."


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soundoff (154 Responses)
  1. SKY

    FACT: ALL IMMORAL PEOPLE WHO SLEEP WITH MULTIPLE PARTNERS KNOW MR.AND MRS.STD
    GOOD TO REMEMBER WHATEVER YOU DO HAS RESULTS...SOME GOOD AND SOME NOT
    SO GOOD.....

    June 17, 2013 at 4:07 am | Report abuse |
  2. CNT OVERHEARD CONVERSATION PRIVATE MEDICAL CONVERATIONS

    MAKE A LIST FOR CEO

    June 10, 2013 at 3:32 am | Report abuse |
  3. YOUR HUSBAND ISN'T HOME

    -

    June 7, 2013 at 7:12 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Danielle

    I was reading all those comments and I was laughing so much , that my husband had to come see if I had somebody tickling me,,,,,Thank everybody....you made my day.

    June 7, 2013 at 7:09 pm | Report abuse |
  5. time for everyone too take a break

    its way too deep

    June 5, 2013 at 6:10 am | Report abuse |
  6. Your fatter then i am....chan

    thanks

    June 4, 2013 at 12:03 pm | Report abuse |
  7. ktina

    I like my kisses down low, makes me arch my back-Kelly Rowland

    June 4, 2013 at 12:01 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Most of these stories are accurate.

    June 4, 2013 at 10:45 am | Report abuse |
  9. Jokesterer

    Nom nom nom nom!

    June 4, 2013 at 10:35 am | Report abuse |
  10. Tongue > {()}

    June 4, 2013 at 9:53 am | Report abuse |
  11. Retired Tuna Boat Capt.

    Ah, you never quite get over the smell...

    June 4, 2013 at 9:12 am | Report abuse |
  12. in the headlines this morning---

    michael douglas(photo above) – admitted this morning its was not true about the fact he received cancer from the xual act–his father is one of the greatest actors of all time...why do that.

    June 4, 2013 at 9:00 am | Report abuse |
    • Smedley

      Thanks for indicating that Michael Douglas is the guy in the photo above. Like you, we are all so f*king stupid we might not have made the connection.

      June 4, 2013 at 9:55 am | Report abuse |
  13. henryh

    So what is his point? That he has been a good lover or a whiner, or simply, he is out of his mind with such xyz@# answer?

    June 4, 2013 at 8:56 am | Report abuse |
  14. behind the scenes.

    June 4, 2013 at 8:39 am | Report abuse |
  15. anna

    Now he is saying he didnt say that!!

    Liar

    No wonder his wife is in and out of clinics for mental problems being married to a disgusting pig.

    June 4, 2013 at 8:17 am | Report abuse |
  16. Sn@tch kisses, not vice versa

    .

    June 4, 2013 at 7:58 am | Report abuse |
  17. Freak

    Maybe CZJ needs to go see a gynecologist and have that lethal critter neutralized.

    June 4, 2013 at 7:15 am | Report abuse |
  18. Troll

    Cheap publicity.

    June 4, 2013 at 3:31 am | Report abuse |
  19. TommyBoy

    So his 3pack per day cigarette habit, for multiple decades...had absolutely nothing to do with this cancer? Right, got it. Blame it on the muffdiving.

    June 4, 2013 at 1:00 am | Report abuse |
  20. davsan

    I don't always get cancer, but when I do its from eating pu*s*sy.

    June 4, 2013 at 12:34 am | Report abuse |
  21. whyhell

    Diet going very wrong, I guess...

    June 3, 2013 at 11:11 pm | Report abuse |
  22. Peace ☮

    I'm really glad he's doing so well, but, lmao at some of the comments!

    June 3, 2013 at 9:49 pm | Report abuse |
  23. CeeCee

    Glad to see he's licked his afllllliction.

    June 3, 2013 at 9:32 pm | Report abuse |
  24. nwf6011

    Members of the LGBT and prominent Dems blamed Michael Douglas's statement on the continued GOP-led war on women.
    Bill Clinton's cigar club enthusiasts lauded MD's candor!

    June 3, 2013 at 9:24 pm | Report abuse |
    • george

      you know as well as I the war on women comes from the left.
      just as one example, the women in obama's white house are paid much less than men

      June 10, 2013 at 3:25 am | Report abuse |
  25. Randy

    Wow!
    If that was the case I would be dead now!
    I think I was a lesbian in a past life!!!

    June 3, 2013 at 8:55 pm | Report abuse |
  26. CLYDE MCKINNEY

    I'll just say I'd love to honey, but I don't want to get cancer. hehehehe

    June 3, 2013 at 8:25 pm | Report abuse |
  27. ksfjsk

    You know Michael Douglas is a lot older than Catherine Zeta Jones. If Michael passes away Catherine will have trouble dating after this story.

    June 3, 2013 at 8:10 pm | Report abuse |
  28. survivor

    I know many of you think this is a funny topic, but you need to get educated. There is an epidemic in head and neck cancers caused by HPV; they know if the cancer is caused by the virus by the DNA signature. People are dying from this; especially young men are vulnerable because unlike women; they have no medical signs. Pediatricians are now recommending to vaccinate BOYS with the HPV vaccines like Gardasil because this is so worrying. Parents, pay attention to this. If you don't believe me, visit the Oral Cancer Foundation website.

    June 3, 2013 at 8:05 pm | Report abuse |
    • Remission

      Thank you for your comment to these immature idiots making these comments. My husband is celebrating his 7th year in remission from stage 4 tonsil cancer HPV virus related. Google his oncologist Dr. Maura Gillison and read her studies. You might not be laughing so much when you see that this cancer is 3 times higher in men than women.

      June 3, 2013 at 8:26 pm | Report abuse |
  29. ksfjsk

    In his golden years Kirk Douglas must be filled with pride by the activities of both his grandson and his son.

    June 3, 2013 at 8:03 pm | Report abuse |
  30. Robert

    It'll make your head fall off

    June 3, 2013 at 7:38 pm | Report abuse |
  31. Jokesterer

    Is getting cancer better than going blind?

    June 3, 2013 at 7:21 pm | Report abuse |
  32. nwg6011

    I wonder: The cancer is in his throat. Is he SURE he got it from a woman?

    June 3, 2013 at 7:14 pm | Report abuse |
  33. TheMiddle

    So ERIN BURNETT thinks how Michael Douglas describes his getting cancer is "VILE."

    Sounds like Erin needs to find a new playmate that knows how to pleasure her. Even with her box, t's not "vile" – it's called pleasure.
    Come on Erin – there's more to life then being a princess news reader and cashing 6-figure paychecks.

    June 3, 2013 at 7:11 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      Either that, or her boyfriend isn't doing it right.

      June 3, 2013 at 7:15 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      You got a point. After all, the name of her show is OUT FRONT.

      June 3, 2013 at 7:30 pm | Report abuse |
    • Seth

      LOL, I saw Erin B. reporting on this too. However, I got a different read on her reaction. I think she gets it and likes it ALOT! Her noticeable on-camera distress was caused by thinking about how much she would miss it if her partner decided to hold off on going down as a result of Mike Douglas revelation. Ha, Ha! I also support a lot of givers and receivers may be feeling the same concern.

      June 4, 2013 at 7:24 am | Report abuse |
  34. semper fi

    Well we all now know how Douglas landed Zeta. No need for the blue pill. Good on ya Doug....a little jealous too

    June 3, 2013 at 7:01 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      Maybe he did use the blue pill – but just in a different location.

      June 3, 2013 at 7:05 pm | Report abuse |
  35. Hollywooood Reporter

    Sounds like he was bragging to me. "I'm the biggest stud in the history of the USA, and unlike you other celebrities, I can prove it....ate so much p*ssy, I got cancer. Top that Beatty, Jagger, Chamberlin!"

    June 3, 2013 at 6:37 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      One guy asked him if it tasted like pumpkin pie.
      He said, "Are you crazy? I've NEVER eaten pumpkin pie!"

      June 3, 2013 at 7:06 pm | Report abuse |
    • Steve?

      Chamberlin?? Not Richard Chamberlin, cause he eats a whole nuther crotch. Dude's a flamer.

      June 3, 2013 at 7:15 pm | Report abuse |
    • Dirk

      Dude, seriously - the only p*ssy you can connect Chamberlin to would be the one(s) he and his boyfriend(s) adopted over the years.

      June 3, 2013 at 8:03 pm | Report abuse |
  36. rick

    He's 68? Looks 88. Whoever it was, she would be better off with a giraffe.

    June 3, 2013 at 6:33 pm | Report abuse |
  37. Gross

    From here on, he will be known as Michael "Qweef Breath" Douglas.

    June 3, 2013 at 6:08 pm | Report abuse |
  38. Sherri

    TMI TMI TMI TMI!

    June 3, 2013 at 5:53 pm | Report abuse |
  39. Cindy

    Michael Douglas should be ashamed of himself for making this statement. Did he consider his wife's feelings. Apparently it shows the caliber of women he was with. SHAME ON YOU MICHAEL.....for not taking responsible for your actions

    June 3, 2013 at 5:41 pm | Report abuse |
    • Gross

      I hope he took pictures.

      June 3, 2013 at 6:09 pm | Report abuse |
    • j

      um isnt him admitting his diagnosis and possible cause, taking responsibility for his actions?

      June 3, 2013 at 6:18 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      I think he knows how to make his wife feel better.

      June 3, 2013 at 7:07 pm | Report abuse |
    • Seth

      He was implicitly referring to his EX-Wife not his CURRENT wife and his EX-Wife is quite P-O'd about his comment but she has been well paid for her anguish and pain. LOL

      June 4, 2013 at 7:28 am | Report abuse |
  40. Bob

    CNN your are disgusting and need a new leader. Time for someone out there to start a good all news station because CNN would be easy to run out of business.

    June 3, 2013 at 5:25 pm | Report abuse |
  41. nwg6011

    If he did that to a woman that spoke Spanish, would that make HIM bilingual?

    June 3, 2013 at 5:23 pm | Report abuse |
  42. nwg6011

    I guess Michael Douglas was a member of the "Oral" majority.

    June 3, 2013 at 5:17 pm | Report abuse |
    • seth

      It's for sure he's gotten more squirrel than Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone put together!

      June 4, 2013 at 7:35 am | Report abuse |
  43. goinstrong

    So nice to see so many disgusting miscreants trying to pass as amusing with their vile, vulgar disrespect to women.

    It is so often embarrassing to be a male. To the women on the site, I apologize for all of the "animals" and their oral diarrhea. Please forgive.

    June 3, 2013 at 5:16 pm | Report abuse |
  44. smartaz

    Please take this article down before my wife sees it. Thanks.

    June 3, 2013 at 5:07 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      Too late. I already emailed it to her. You should have told me sooner.

      June 3, 2013 at 7:09 pm | Report abuse |
  45. NotYoDaddy

    Jesus!

    Can't you guys figure out when someone is pulling your leg a bit?

    June 3, 2013 at 4:52 pm | Report abuse |
  46. Di

    You're all crazy ? He didn't get it from his wife. It takes years for the virus to show up. It happened when he was young and free messing around.

    June 3, 2013 at 4:39 pm | Report abuse |
  47. Jim970

    Wow. I never would have guessed that Catherine Z. was that toxic.

    June 3, 2013 at 3:49 pm | Report abuse |
  48. Michael Muffin-Muncher

    Mmmm...good eatin.'

    June 3, 2013 at 3:33 pm | Report abuse |
  49. ec

    This needs to be brought up more often. HPV is incredibly common...it's estimated by the CDC that nearly everyone will have it, has it, or had it at some point. Some strains cause cancer in whatever holes are infected with the virus. And a condom doesn't always protect you (because it's skin-to-skin, not just what the condom covers). Farrah Fawcett's cancer was caused by HPV, as well. HPV is causing a rise in oral cancers, that's why dentists now check your tongue and glands at your regular visit. Everyone should get vaccinated and women should get regular paps. Also, there's no test for men for HPV (they know Douglas' tumor was caused by HPV because they tested it for the virus)...of they never get warts, they may not know they have it.

    June 3, 2013 at 3:16 pm | Report abuse |
  50. Stanley

    What's worse than a wife finding lipstick on her husband's collar? Smelling FDS on his breath.

    June 3, 2013 at 3:06 pm | Report abuse |
  51. HenryB

    CNN should watch carefully with these stories lest it be counted as irrelevant.

    June 3, 2013 at 2:45 pm | Report abuse |
  52. Garth

    An unforseen and unfortunate hazard to chin riding.

    June 3, 2013 at 1:57 pm | Report abuse |
  53. Jason

    Kanye Should have cancer of the face if he's been eating at the Y. I wouldn't touch that trash(KIM THE PORN STAR ) without wearing a hazmat suit.....That PIG did porn with a bunch of them bros....

    June 3, 2013 at 1:56 pm | Report abuse |
    • loki

      you would still do kim. just double wrap your jimmy and away you go.

      June 3, 2013 at 3:56 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      Yeah, she has to keep ice in her drawers just to keep the crabs fresh.

      June 3, 2013 at 5:10 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      All he has to do is use a roll of Saran Wrap.

      June 3, 2013 at 5:19 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      Kanye goes downtown so much, that's why he needs auto tune. He can't sing because he has tongue damage.

      June 3, 2013 at 7:39 pm | Report abuse |
    • Seth

      You got that right Jason. I wouldn't touch Kim K. with a ten foot stick while wearing a full-body condom! Yuck! Nassssstttttyyy!

      June 4, 2013 at 7:32 am | Report abuse |
  54. Lewis

    Michael Douglas has always been a player...a regular ho. His former wife caught him with her best friend. Young people really need to get immunized.

    June 3, 2013 at 1:54 pm | Report abuse |
  55. Tommy

    Not saying much for his wife...I would expect this from KIM CRAPDASHIAN.....I pity the fools who have had the nerve to go there....GROSS>>>>>>>

    June 3, 2013 at 1:49 pm | Report abuse |
  56. Dan

    If it wasn't meant to be eaten, it wouldn't be shaped like a taco.

    June 3, 2013 at 1:45 pm | Report abuse |
  57. anna

    I still dont beleive that he had stage 4 cancer. It was all a publicity stunt. There is no coming back from cancer in that stage.

    He is disgusting bringing this up – who wants to know his dirtly little secrets. I feel sorry for his wife – she deserves better.

    June 3, 2013 at 1:41 pm | Report abuse |
    • Mario

      If only you knew what you were talking about. MANY people have come back from stage 4 cancer, and many of those were a result of the research and practices of Dr. Stan Burzynski.

      June 3, 2013 at 1:51 pm | Report abuse |
    • ec

      This needs to be brought up more often. HPV is incredibly common...it's estimated by the CDC that nearly everyone will have it, has it, or had it at some point. Some strains cause cancer in whatever holes are infected with the virus. And a condom doesn't always protect you (because it's skin-to-skin, not just what the condom covers). Farrah Fawcett's cancer was caused by HPV, as well. HPV is causing a rise in oral cancers, that's why dentists now check your tongue and glands at your regular visit. Everyone should get vaccinated and women should get regular paps. Also, there's no test for men for HPV (they know Douglas' tumor was caused by HPV because they tested it for the virus)...of they never get warts, they may not know they have it.

      June 3, 2013 at 3:15 pm | Report abuse |
    • Debbie

      My friend was diagnosed stage 4 cancer and after suregery and chemo was fine for 6 years, unfortunately it is back now and inoperable, but he's only 3 years out, so declaring he "beat " cancer is a bit premature, I hope he does, my brother had this same cancer told was stage 3, six years later told he was "cancer free" 3 months later dead from spreading everywhere. yes many are alive 3 years later from stage 4, depends on a lot of things, mostly how agressive the tumor was to start with, and how well the immune sytem responds to it, a tumor classifed as 'poorly differentiated" is MUCH more likely to have a bad outcome as a tumor identified as 'well differentiated"

      June 3, 2013 at 5:21 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      I dunno, maybe you have a point.
      I mean, if I told women I got cancer from eating fur pies, they'd be lining up around the block.

      June 3, 2013 at 7:23 pm | Report abuse |
    • Remission

      My husband is celebrating his 7th year of remission from stage 4 tonsil cancer HPV related. You do survive but you have to go to hell and back with daily chemo and radiation for 6 weeks. You end up with no saliva glands, no taste and some people lose parts of their tongues, jaws, etc. Head and neck cancer is not for the faint of heart. But thanks to a wonderful medical team at Johns Hopkins Hospital, he survived!!!! No publicity stunt, either. Get educated!

      June 3, 2013 at 8:32 pm | Report abuse |
  58. who knew...

    that eating at the Y could be hazardous to your health? Doesn't the health dept. inspect these "establishments?"

    June 3, 2013 at 1:23 pm | Report abuse |
  59. Thank you, Michael Douglas

    On behalf of all the sn@tch snackers out there, we appreciate your candor and the public service announcement.

    June 3, 2013 at 1:13 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      In cases like this, should he have run a background check, or a foreground check?

      June 3, 2013 at 5:14 pm | Report abuse |
  60. Jokesterer

    If Catherine Zeta Jones gave me throat cancer, I'd just have to find some other parts for her to give me cancer on.

    June 3, 2013 at 1:02 pm | Report abuse |
  61. Bloviator

    Obviously a tongue-in-cheek comment.

    June 3, 2013 at 1:01 pm | Report abuse |
  62. BlueDuck

    Seems like anything you eat, drink, handle or look at too long causes cancer.

    June 3, 2013 at 12:55 pm | Report abuse |
  63. Christiabella

    Some things are just worth dying–and killing–for.

    June 3, 2013 at 12:43 pm | Report abuse |
  64. Danger, Danger WIll Robinson!

    Fish tacos may cause cancer!

    June 3, 2013 at 12:31 pm | Report abuse |
    • ※Sadie※

      Every time I go into a restaurant, and I see Fish Tacos on the menu, I think of all you crazy guys on this blog. I hope you are proud of yourselves. lol... I'm glad Michael is still doing good, regardless of what caused his cancer.

      June 3, 2013 at 1:29 pm | Report abuse |
    • nwg6011

      But did they try this on laboratory animals?

      June 3, 2013 at 7:48 pm | Report abuse |
  65. I AM Not You

    I'm sure Catherine was unhappy about hearing where this cancer came from. I hope she doesn't get any of the virus in her stuff.

    June 3, 2013 at 12:26 pm | Report abuse |
  66. Why Publicists Get Paid The Big Bucks

    Lucky he didn't, "...get too specific."

    June 3, 2013 at 12:25 pm | Report abuse |
  67. Did He Really Say That?

    Fortunately, he "...didn't get too specific."

    (I'm going home now to take a bath in liquid penicillin.)

    In other news, Catherine Jones, Douglas's wife, wasn't immediately available for comment. (But we sure hope her schedule frees up in the near future.)

    June 3, 2013 at 12:21 pm | Report abuse |
  68. John Doe

    I'm in trouble!

    June 3, 2013 at 12:18 pm | Report abuse |
  69. Gross

    If I was married to Catherine Zeta-Jones, I would be a cunning linguist every second of the day too.

    June 3, 2013 at 12:06 pm | Report abuse |
  70. Hannah01

    What a disgusting comment to make...

    June 3, 2013 at 12:21 pm | Report abuse |
  71. Really? More disgusting than...

    June 3, 2013 at 12:30 pm | Report abuse |
  72. JoshmoIsaMoFo

    Do you have any clue about female anatomy? If you think it bleeds for two weeks, the ladies are lucky that you don't attempt to pleasure them. I am guessing you are more into the gents anyway. To each their own.

    June 3, 2013 at 12:42 pm | Report abuse |
  73. Hannah01

    You're as disgusting as 'joshmo.'

    June 3, 2013 at 12:24 pm | Report abuse |
  74. Pliny

    How insightful. Such subtle humor.

    NAAAHHH! I'm just joking. Traci is many things. A man. A looser. A bore.

    But not insightful. And not funny.

    June 3, 2013 at 12:38 pm | Report abuse |
  75. Pliny

    Pliny-troll

    Once again you crawl out from under your rock to impersonate me. What a sad, BORING looser you are.

    June 3, 2013 at 12:47 pm | Report abuse |
  76. To Pliny/Plinies

    You are both LOSERS for your constant use of the word LOOSER in place of the correct word LOSER. Only a f-cking moron doesn't know the difference, idiot(s).

    June 3, 2013 at 12:56 pm | Report abuse |
  77. TexasR

    Agreed. I read it 16 times, all the while remembering who he's married to. I'm so disgusted, I'm going to re-read it several more times, just to be sure I fully understand the topic.

    June 3, 2013 at 1:02 pm | Report abuse |
  78. Gilderoy

    Absolutely no ill-effects from partaking in the old "tossed salad" from time to time.

    June 3, 2013 at 1:17 pm | Report abuse |
  79. Mikey

    correction, lickity spit

    June 3, 2013 at 1:44 pm | Report abuse |
  80. DAMN AUTOCORRECT

    thanks

    June 3, 2013 at 1:55 pm | Report abuse |
  81. Craig

    Yeah, I 'd be in that lineup

    June 3, 2013 at 4:54 pm | Report abuse |
  82. nwg6011

    You have to protect yourself, though. You'll need a roll of saran wrap and a box of tic tacs.

    June 3, 2013 at 5:30 pm | Report abuse |
  83. nwg6011

    Put it on Youtube – it'll go viral (get it?)

    June 3, 2013 at 7:43 pm | Report abuse |

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