Despite being a potentially fatal illness that affects millions of people globally, oral cancer is frequently overlooked. Reducing your chances of contracting the disease requires a knowledge of its risk factors. Although several factors can raise your risk of oral cancer, tobacco usage is the most significant.
So, here’s a blog to explore the reasons tobacco is the lead risk factor, as well as other significant risk factors behind oral cancer, its possible symptoms, and risk reduction methods.
The Startling Link Between Oral Cancer and Tobacco
The biggest risk factor for oral cancer is still tobacco use in any form. 90% of occurrences of oral cancer globally are caused by tobacco use, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The carcinogens in tobacco, whether from cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or even e-cigarettes, damage the cells in your mouth, throat, and gums and cause abnormal growth.
Reasons Why Smoking Is So Risky
- There are more than 60 recognized carcinogens in tobacco.
- Chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products are directly associated with cheek and gum cancers.
- Smoking for a long time weakens the immune system, which makes it more difficult for your body to fix damaged DNA.
Other Risk Contributing Factors
Although tobacco is the leading cause, there are other important risk factors for oral cancer including smoking. However, oral cancer screening is capable of detecting them earlier to prevent any major damage from happening.
Overdrinking Alcohol
Frequent alcohol consumption makes the cells in your mouth weak. When alcohol and smoke are blended together, the risk increases dramatically.
Infection with HPV
There is a high correlation between oropharyngeal malignancies and specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV-16. People can get infected with HPV regardless of their drinking or smoking habits.
Inadequate Dental Care
Neglecting dental care and having persistent gum infections can make your mouth more susceptible to malignant alterations.
Overexposure To UV radiation
It can raise the chance of developing lip cancer. People who work outside should take care to protect their lips by using SPF-containing lip balm or sunscreen.
Some Preventive Steps That Can Lower The Risk
- Quit chewing tobacco, vaping, and smoking to drastically lower your risk.
- Limit your alcohol consumption to reasonable amounts.
- Keep your teeth clean by brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist on a regular basis.
- Vaccinate yourself against HPV and maintain oral hygiene.
- Use SPF protection to prevent sun damage on your lips.
Although tobacco use is still the leading cause of oral cancer, it is not the only risk factor. You can deeply reduce the risks of developing oral cancer by addressing all potential ones, such as reducing alcohol consumption, practicing better oral hygiene, and protecting yourself from HPV.
So if you notice any lumps, patches, or persistent sores in your mouth, reach out to our dentist or doctor right away.