Risk factors
Summary of risk factors for oral cancer
The risk factors for oral cancers are presented below, with the level of evidence that supports them. As can be seen, alcohol in mouth rinses is rated as having inconsistent evidence as a risk factor in oral cancer.1
| Proven risk factors | Tobacco use (smoking/chewing)1 Alcohol consumption1 Betel-quid chewing1 |
| Emerging risk factors | Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection Immunosuppression Diet and nutrition Mate drinking Low socioeconomic status |
| Controversial factors, limited evidence | Ethnicity and race Poor oral hygiene and dentition Indoor air pollution |
| Controversial factors, inconsistent evidence | Heredity/familial risk Cannabis smoking Qat chewing Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) HIV infection Alcohol in mouth rinses |
A study published in December 2011 estimated that, based on UK data, about 93% of oral and pharyngeal cancers in men and 85% in women are linked to lifestyle and environmental factors.2
References
- Warnakulasuriya S. Causes of oral cancer - an appraisal of controversies. Br Dent J 2009; 207: 471–475.
- Parkin DM et al. The fraction of cancer attributable to lifestyle and environmental factors in the UK in 2010. Summary and conclusions. Br J Cancer 2011; 105 (S2): S77–S81.