A risk factor is anything that boosts a person’s chances of contracting an illness like cancer. The risk factors for various malignancies varies. Some risk factors, such as smoking, can be modified. Others, such as a person’s age or family history, are unchangeable.
Although the cause of oral cancer is diverse, cigarette use and alcohol use are commonly regarded as important risk factors. Over the last 30 years, a series of authoritative reports has conclusively established that tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, is causally related to at least 8 major cancer sites and increases the mortality rate for several others. Despite the fact that additional lifestyle and environmental variables have been discovered as risk factors for oral cancer, tobacco smoking remains the single most important and avoidable cause of this illness
In her recent episode of #ToothyTuesday, award-winning Dental Surgeon, Dr. Louisa, gives more education on the various risk factors for oral cancer. “Oral cancer is cancer that starts in cells that make up the inside of the mouth or the lips,” She posted on Instagram. “It is fairly common but can be cured if found and treated at an early stage (when it’s small and has not spread). Oral cancers can be found in the early stages by your dentist during your routine visit.”
Below are some risk factors of oral cancer,
Tobacco use. Tobacco use, which includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff, is the single most important risk factor for head and neck cancer. Tobacco usage is connected to 85% of cases of head and neck cancer. Pipe smoking, in particular, has been related to cancer in the area of the lips that comes into contact with the pipe stem. Chewing tobacco or snuff is linked to a 50% increased risk of getting cancer in the cheeks, gums, and inner surface of the lips, where the tobacco has the most contact. Secondhand smoking may also raise a person’s chance of developing head and neck cancer.
Alcohol. The intake of alcohol on a regular and substantial basis raises the chance of developing head and neck cancer. Using alcohol and cigarettes at the same time raises the danger much more.
Prolonged sun exposure. High sun exposure without sun protection measures has been related to lip cancer. Reduce your exposure to sunshine and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation to lower your chance of developing lip cancer.
Human papillomavirus (HPV). According to research, HPV infection is a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer in the tonsils and base of the tongue has grown more prevalent in recent years. The most frequent way for someone to get HPV is through sexual activity, including oral sex, with someone who has HPV. HPV is classified into strains, which are distinct kinds of HPV. Some HPV strains have been linked more strongly to particular forms of cancer, according to research.
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