Mouth Cancer - The Risk Factors

The Risk Factors

• Two thirds of mouth cancer cases are linked to smoking tobacco
• A morning cigarette doubles the chances of developing the disease
• Smokers put themselves at almost three times higher risk
• …but cigars and pipe smokers put themselves at greater risk
• Ex-smokers reduce their risk by a third
• Second-hand smoke significantly increases the risk for those who have never smoked
• Smokeless tobacco use can increase the risk of developing mouth cancer by 15 times
• Drinking alcohol to excess is linked to around a third of all cases
• Those who smoke and drink to excess put themselves at risk by up to 30 times
• More than half of cases in the UK are linked to a poor diet
• Solar radiation from the sun has been linked to cancer of the lip
• The human papillomavirus (HPV) is estimated to overtake smoking as the number one cause of mouth cancers in the future
• Mouth cancer is 2.5 times higher in those with periodontal disease
• …and is 60 times higher in people with six or more missing teeth
• Mouth cancer is 12 to 16 times higher in those who have previous been diagnosed with cancer
• Mouth cancer is 70% more common in those whose family have a history of the disease

Our Dentists carry out a Lifestyle and Risk Assessment at every Dental Health Assessment to ensure any risk factors are identified and then we can help you make healthier lifestyle choices instead.