Risk Factors for Oral Cancers

You may not hear much about oral cancers, but cancers of the mouth and throat are serious conditions that affect thousands of people each year.

While oral cancers can occur in anyone, certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing them. By understanding your risk factors and making lifestyle changes where possible, you can take steps to protect your oral health and reduce your risk of this potentially life-threatening disease.

Tobacco Use

One of the most significant risk factors for oral cancer is tobacco use. This includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as using smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco. 

Tobacco contains numerous carcinogens that can damage cells in the mouth and throat. Smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers. Smokeless tobacco users are 50 times more likely to develop cancers of the cheek, gums, and inner surface of the lips.

And while there is no hard evidence (yet) that vaping causes oral or other cancers, there are concerns. Electronic cigarettes contain chemicals, sometimes known carcinogens, and are also linked to other health problems like heart disease.

The good news is that quitting tobacco and nicotine can significantly reduce your risk of oral cancer. Within five years of quitting, your risk of mouth and throat cancer is cut in half. If you're struggling to quit, talk to your doctor about cessation aids and support programs.

Heavy Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol heavily is another major risk factor for oral cancer. People who consume more than 21 drinks per week are three to nine times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-drinkers. 

Alcohol acts as an irritant, damaging the cells in your mouth and throat. When combined with smoking or other tobacco use, alcohol can increase the absorption of associated carcinogens. Alcohol can also lead to nutritional deficiencies that may make cells more susceptible to cancer.

To reduce your risk, limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. If you drink and smoke, your oral cancer risk is even higher, so it's especially important to quit tobacco use.

HPV Infection

In recent years, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has emerged as a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer, a specific type of oral cancer which affect the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils. In fact, HPV is now linked to 70% of these cancers.

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can be passed through oral sex. There are some steps you can take to lower your risk of HPV-related oral cancers:

• Get vaccinated against HPV. The vaccine is most effective when given in early adolescence, before sexual activity begins.
• Use condoms or dental dams while engaging in oral sex.
• Have regular dental check-ups that include an oral cancer screening.

Sun Exposure

While not as well-known as other risk factors, prolonged sun exposure can often increase the risk of lip cancer. This is because the lips are often overlooked when applying sunscreen, leaving them vulnerable to damaging UV rays.

Avoiding oral cancers due to sun exposure is similar to avoiding skin cancers. To protect your lips from sun damage:

• Apply lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 before spending time outdoors.
• Wear a hat that shades your face and lips.
• Avoid too much sun exposure during the middle of the day when sun is strongest (10 am to 4 pm).

Remember, lip cancer is highly treatable when caught early, so be sure to report any persistent changes in your lips to your dentist or doctor.

Poor Diet and Nutrition

While the link between diet and oral cancer is not as clear as other risk factors, some research suggests that certain dietary habits may play a role. A diet high in processed meat, fried food, and refined carbs has been associated with an increased risk of oral and other cancers.

Conversely, a diet filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables and other whole foods may help protect against oral cancer.

To optimize your diet for oral health, eat lots of colorful fruits and vegetables and limit processed and fried foods. Choose whole grains over refined carbs, and be sure to incorporate lean proteins like fish and poultry.

Missing Regular Dental Check-Ups

Your regular dental check-up is crucial for catching oral cancer early. During your exam, we screen for any suspicious patches or lesions in your mouth. If you notice any unusual symptoms, like a sore that doesn't heal or a lump in your neck, call our office right away.

If you're due for a check-up or have concerns about your oral cancer risk, reach out to our office today to schedule your next appointment.