Risk Factors

  • Although the use of tobacco and alcohol are risk factors in developing oral cancer, approximately 27% of oral cancer patients have no known risk factors.
  • There has been a nearly five-fold increase in incidence in oral cancer patients under age 40, many with no known risk factors.
  • The incidence of oral cancer in women has increased significantly, largely due to an increase in women smoking. In 1950 the male to female ratio was 6:1; by 2002, it was 2:1.

 

Who's at risk?

Increased risk

  • Patients age 18-39 because of the human papilloma virus (HPV 16/18) which is implicated in up to 30% of oral cancers, but its role in carcinogenesis is not completely known

High risk

  • Patients age 40 and older
  • Tobacco users (any type, age 18 - 39, within 10 years)

Highest risk

  • Patients age 40 and older with lifestyle risk factors
    • Tobacco, alcohol
    • Patients with history of oral cancer

Sex: Men have a slightly higher risk of developing oral cancer than women.

Race: The risk of developing oral cancer is higher in African Americans than in Caucasians.

Age: The risk of developing oral cancer increases after age 45 years.

Tobacco and Alcohol Use: The use of tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) and alcohol increases the risk of developing oral cancer.

HPV Infection: Infection with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the risk of developing cancer of the oropharynx.

 

Lower Your Risk

Most oral cancer is preventable. 75 percent of oral cancers are related to tobacco use, alcohol use, or use of both substances together. Using both tobacco and alcohol puts you at much greater risk than using either substance alone.

Do not use tobacco products — cigarettes, chew or snuff, pipes or cigars. Tobacco in all forms plays a role in oral cancers.

If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Excessive alcohol use can increase your risk of oral cancer.

Use lip balm that contains sunscreen. Exposure to sunlight is a risk factor for lip cancer.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables as part of a low-fat, high fiber diet may help reduce cancer risk. The National Cancer Institute suggests eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.