Michael Douglas has claimed that his throat cancer was caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), a s**ually transmitted disease.

Michael Douglas, 68, who fought a six month battle with the disease from August 2010 until January 2011, had initially believed that it was his years of smoking and drinking that had lead to the illness.

The Hollywood star made the frank admission about how he developed the illness during an interview with The Guardian newspaper when he was asked if he had regretted smoking and drinking in the past.

Michael Douglas candidly replied: “No. Because, without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV, which actually comes about from cunni***gus.”

The actor, who is married to Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, was diagnosed with cancer in August 2010 after a walnut-sized tumor was found on his tongue.

Michael Douglas’ health troubles started just a few months after his eldest son Cameron – from his first marriage to Diandra Luker – was jailed for d**g possession and dealing.

The actor admitted he initially believed his disease had been triggered by the stress over his son’s legal troubles.

Michael Douglas has claimed that his throat cancer was caused by human papilloma virus

Michael Douglas explained: “I did worry if the stress caused by my son’s incarceration didn’t help trigger it. But yeah, it’s a s**ually transmitted disease that causes cancer. And if you have it, cunni**gus is also the best cure for it.”

He was diagnosed with stage four of the disease and underwent an intense course of chemotherapy and radiation.

Eventually, Michael Douglas was given the all-clear, although he still has to undergo check-ups with doctors every six months.

However, the actor is optimistic he has conquered the disease once and for all.

“With this kind of cancer, 95 per cent of the time it doesn’t come back,” he said.

More than 20 years ago, Michael Douglas was hospitalized for an addiction, which many reports at the time claimed was to s**.

However, he has since denied that he was a s** addict, insisting that he was being treated for alcohol abuse.

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus which is more widely known as a cause of cervical and anal cancer.

Last year, Cancer Research UK said the rising rates of HPV16-positive cases of oral cancer could be linked to oral s**.