Facts about oral cancer.

Abstract

What are the risk factors for oral cancer? Tobacco use, such as cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco, and heavy drinking are the most significant risk factors for developing oral cancer.1,2 Prior occurrence, family history of oral cancer and being over the age of 40 also increase your risk for developing oral cancer.1,2 Infection with the human papillomavirus, the virus responsible for cervical cancer in women known as HPV, may also increase a person’s risk for oral cancer.3 Twenty five percent of oral cancer patients have no risk factors for oral cancer.4