Risk factors are behaviours, conditions or substances that can increase the risk that a certain disease will develop. In some cases, researchers have been able to establish clear links between those behaviours, conditions and substances and the increased risk of disease; in other cases, though, risk factors are merely suspected but yet to be confirmed by ongoing research. What are the risk factors for the development of oral cancer? Here’s an introduction to six of the most significant risk factors for oral cancer. They are not the only ones. Others are listed below. If you are affected by any of these risk factors, ask the dentist at a dental clinic near you to screen you for symptoms of oral cancer. Oral cancer screening in Forest Lake can detect abnormal cells potentially indicating the presence of oral cancer while the earliest and most effective interventions are possible.
Tobacco use
All forms of tobacco use — including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, cigars, pipes and bidis — are linked to most forms of oral cancer. That risk increases the longer that you smoke (or use tobacco in any way) and the more tobacco that you use. When combined with the consumption of alcohol tobacco use increases your risk of developing oral cancer even more markedly.
Alcohol consumption
The more alcohol you consume, the greater the risk of developing oral cancer. Combining alcohol consumption with tobacco use has what is called a multiplicative effect. The combination of smoking and alcohol consumption markedly increases oral cancer risks. At least one study has found that 80% of throat and mouth cancer in men and 65% of throat and mouth cancer in women is associated with the combination of tobacco use and alcohol consumption.
Human papillomavirus
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a cluster of over 100 different but related viruses, many of which are spread with sexual contact. HPV can affect a person’s sexual organs, rectum, anus, mouth and throat. HPV — particularly virus HPV-16 and perhaps HPV-18 — is the likeliest cause of oral cancer that is not associated with the use of tobacco and/or alcohol consumption.
Chewing betel quid and areca nut
Betel quid (also called paan) is an areca nut and lime wrapped in a betel leaf that many people chew, sometimes in combination with tobacco. Other people chew the areca nut alone. Because the areca nut contains substances that cause oral cancer, chewing betel quid or areca nuts increase the risk of oral cancers affecting the lips and the lining of your cheeks.
Prior cancer diagnoses
If you have previously had oral cancer — or cancer affecting your esophagus, larynx, lungs or cervix — you have an increased risk of developing further oral cancers. That increased risk is especially acute if you use tobacco and/or consume alcohol.
Family history of squamous cell carcinoma
If any of your parents, children or siblings — a cluster of relatives called first-degree family members — had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) affecting their head and/or neck, you yourself have an increased risk of developing SCC. SCC is the most common form of oral cancer.
Other known risk factors for oral cancer include sun exposure, a diet low in vegetables and fruit, a weakened immune system, graft-versus-host-disease, lichen planus, poor oral health and genetic conditions such as Fanconi anemia and Dyskeratosis congenita. Suspected risk factors for the development of oral cancer include ill-fitting dentures and drinking overly hot beverages.
Are you concerned about the effect of any of these risk factors on your health? If so, and whether or not you have any symptoms, contact a dentist in Forest Lake about the availability of oral cancer screening near you.