Oral cancer refers to several different types of cancers which grow in the oral cavity (the mouth and inside the lips). The most common type of oral cancer diagnosis is squamous cell carcinoma, which affects the lining of the mouth and the lips. Like all cancers, the immediate cause of oral cancer is genetic mutation, causing cells to live longer and reproduce faster than they normally should. There are several risk factors for oral cancer which can result in these mutations, the most important of which is tobacco use (including cigarette smoking). Every year, 36,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer, and 8000 die.
About three in every four new cases of oral cancer are the result of tobacco use - making it the most important single risk factor for oral cancer. Oral cancer may be caused by any type of tobacco use, including cigarette smoking, cigar smoking, and chewing tobacco. Smoking is known to dramatically increase the risk of a number of cancers, most particularly lung cancer but also oral cancer and a number of other cancers. In addition, another risk factor for oral cancer is heavy alcohol drinking, as well as regular use of mouthwashes which contain alcohol. People who both drink and smoke heavily are at greatest risk.
Third, some evidence suggests that infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts, may also be a risk factor for oral cancer if infection occurs as a result of oral sex. HPV has long been implicated in causing cervical cancer in women, and those strains responsible for cervical cancer have in recent years been targeted by a new vaccine. The same strains which increase risk of cervical cancer also appear to be risk factors for oral cancer. Various studies indicate that the majority of oral cancer victims are HPV-positive, although the percentages vary substantially.
There are also some demographic risk factors for oral cancer which are not easily mitigated, but can indicate which people are at greater risk (and should therefore take greater precautions). According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, most new victims of oral cancer are over 40, although the average age at diagnosis has been dropping as a result of new HPV-related cases. Historically, oral cancer was much more common among men than women, and is still about twice as common among men. African-Americans are at increased risk of contracting the disease, and also have lower survival rates overall.
If you are concerned about the risk factors of oral cancer, or believe you may be showing symptoms of oral cancer, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor. He or she will be able to offer specific suggestions for reducing cancer risk. Oral cancer may be diagnosed following identification of tumorous lesions or ulcers in the mouth, a sample of which can then be removed through a biopsy for analysis.
- Sources and More Information -
American Cancer Society. "What are the Risk Factors for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers?"
Cleveland Clinic. "Oral Cancer."
Oral Cancer Foundation. "Oral Cancer Facts."
Vancouver Sun. "Oral Sex, STDs Causing Increase in Oral Cancers: Experts."