Overview
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the back of the throat. Oral cancers develop on the tongue, on the tissue lining the mouth and gums, under the tongue, at the base of the tongue, and the area of the throat at the back of the mouth.
Oral cancer accounts for roughly three percent of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States, or about 54,000 new cases in 2022.
Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects more than twice as many men as women. Most cancers in the mouth are related to tobacco use, drinking alcohol, or both, and most throat cancers are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The incidence of HPV-positive oral cancer has risen in recent years.Back to top
Causes
Tobacco and alcohol use. Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarette, pipe and cigar, and electronic cigarette smoking, as well as chewing tobacco and snuff puts you at risk for developing oral cancers. Heavy alcohol use also increases the risk. Using both tobacco and alcohol increases the risk even further.
HPV. Infection with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (specifically the HPV 16 type) has been linked to oral cancers.
Age. Risk increases with age. Oral cancers most often occur in people over the age of 40.
Sun Exposure. Cancer of the lip can be caused by sun exposure.
Poor Nutrition. A diet low in fruits and vegetables has been linked with increased risk of oral cancer.
Genetics. People with inherited defects in certain genes have a high risk of mouth and middle throat cancer.Back to top