Who Is Most at Risk for Oral Cancer?

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Who Is Most at Risk for Oral Cancer?

Oral cancers most commonly include those of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, and salivary glands, but can also include parts of the throat. Although oral cancer is less common than some other types of cancer, each year over 50,000 people are diagnosed with some type of oral cancer [1]. But who is most at risk to develop a mouth or throat cancer? There are a few major risk factors that increase your risk for getting oral cancer in your lifetime.

Those Who Drink Alcohol

People who drink alcohol have an increased risk for developing oral cancer. In fact, alcohol abuse is the second largest risk factor for the development of oral cancer. Your risk for cancer increases the more you drink alcohol or if you heavily drink alcohol, even if infrequently.

And if you smoke or chew tobacco as well as drink, your risk increases even more [2]. Minimizing your consumption of alcohol can help reduce your risk not just for oral cancer, but other types of cancer as well.

Those Who Smoke or Chew Tobacco

Tobacco use is one of the primary risk factors for developing oral cancer. Whether you smoke or chew tobacco, you’re much more at risk for oral cancer than people who don’t use these substances. The risk increases the more you use them or the longer you use them. People who smoke or chew tobacco for many years are at the highest risk to develop mouth and throat cancers [3].

Those With HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects over 42 million Americans [4]. There are many different strains of the virus, and some of them are responsible for causing cancer, including cancers of the throat, tongue, and tonsils. People who have certain strains of HPV don’t need to smoke or drink alcohol to be at a higher risk for oral cancer.

Those Over 60

Age is another risk factor for oral cancer, and the older you are, the higher your risk for the disease. People are most likely to get diagnosed with mouth and throat cancers over the age of 50, but anywhere between the ages of 60 and 70 is most likely [5]. Although age is an uncontrollable risk factor for oral cancer, you can still take preventative steps to lower your risk, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, practicing safe sex, and getting annual oral cancer screenings.

Don’t Miss Your Annual Oral Cancer Screening

Your dentist will conduct an annual oral cancer screening during one of your bi-annual checkups to look for oral cancer. If you have a higher risk for oral cancer based on your family history or lifestyle choices, talk to your dentist about your risk, as they may want to conduct a screening more often. Screenings are simple, painless, and may just save your life.

Sources:
1. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/key-
statistics.html
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16054978/
3. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/causes-risks-
prevention/risk-factors.html
4. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/about-hpv.html
5. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/oral-cancer/incidence

Summary
Who Is Most at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Article Name
Who Is Most at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Description
Each year over 50,000 people are diagnosed with some type of oral cancer [1]. But who is most at risk to develop a mouth or throat cancer? There are a few major risk factors that increase your risk for getting oral cancer in your lifetime.
Author
Leesburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry