What are the 5 ways to get oral cancer?

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Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth, lips, and throat. It can be caused by various factors, including lifestyle choices and genetics. Here are five ways that people can get oral cancer:

  1. Tobacco use: Smoking or using smokeless tobacco (such as chewing tobacco or snuff) can increase the risk of oral cancer. The chemicals in tobacco can damage the cells in the mouth and throat, making them more susceptible to cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about 80% of people with oral cancer use tobacco in some form.

  2. Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can also increase the risk of oral cancer. Heavy alcohol use can damage the cells in the mouth and throat, and it can also make it easier for other carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) to enter the body. According to the American Cancer Society, about 70% of people with oral cancer are heavy drinkers.

  3. Oral Sex: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact, including oral sex. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus and infection in the US. Some strains of HPV can cause oral cancer, as well as cervical cancer and other types of cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 70% of oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of the throat) are caused by HPV.

  4. Sun exposure: Sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer. The lips are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun because they lack the protective pigment melanin. People who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially without wearing lip balm or other protection, are at increased risk.

  5. Genetics: Some people may be more susceptible to oral cancer due to their genetic makeup. For example, certain inherited conditions (such as Fanconi anemia or dyskeratosis congenita) increase the risk of oral cancer. Additionally, people with a family history of oral cancer may be more likely to develop the disease themselves.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Human papillomavirus (HPV) and oropharyngeal cancer.https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/hpv_oropharyngeal.htm