6 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
Key Takeaways
About 60,480 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Six major risk factors are within your control: tobacco, alcohol, HPV, sun exposure, oral hygiene, and overall health. Regular screenings matter for everyone, because oral cancer is much easier to treat when it's caught early.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 60,480 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2026. You can't control every risk factor, but many of them are in your hands. Here's what our team recommends.
What can I do to lower my risk of oral cancer?
1. Quit tobacco in every form
Tobacco is one of the strongest risk factors for oral cancer, and it includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff. Quitting does more to lower your risk than any other single change. It also lowers your risk of heart disease, emphysema, and cancers of the lung, bladder, digestive system, and pancreas. If you've tried to quit before, talk with your doctor about the support and treatment options available today.
2. Limit or avoid alcohol
The American Cancer Society now says it's best not to drink alcohol at all. If you do drink, it recommends no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. Binge drinking raises your risk further.
Combining alcohol and tobacco is especially dangerous. According to the National Cancer Institute, using both multiplies the risks, making them far greater than the risk of either one alone. Alcohol can make it easier for the harmful chemicals in tobacco to get into the cells lining your mouth and throat.
3. Protect yourself from HPV
HPV is a growing concern. According to the CDC, HPV is thought to cause 60% to 70% of oropharyngeal cancers (cancers in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) in the United States. Many of these patients have never used tobacco. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that can cause these cancers, and it works best when given before any exposure to the virus. Ask your doctor whether it's right for you or your children.
4. Shield your lips from the sun
Most people know to put sunscreen on their skin, but they often miss their lips. Over time, UV damage can lead to lip cancer. To protect yourself:
Use a lip balm with SPF and reapply it often
Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face
Limit time in direct sun during peak midday hours
5. Brush and floss every day
Good oral hygiene removes the bacteria that damage your teeth, gums, and bone. Chronic inflammation and untreated oral disease can lead to more serious problems. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with dental cleanings are simple habits that protect your whole mouth.
6. Eat well and stay active
Healthy eating and regular activity support your immune system and help your body fight off disease. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is linked to lower cancer risk. Good choices include berries, beans, broccoli, dark leafy greens, cabbage, garlic, and tomatoes.
| Risk Factor | Why it Matters | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Tobacco Use | One of the strongest risk factors for oral cancer, in every form | Quit all forms, including chewing tobacco |
| Alcohol | Raises risk on its own and multiplies it when combined with tobacco | Avoid it, or limit to 1 drink a day (women) or 2 (men) |
| HPV | Thought to cause 60% to 70% of cancers in the back of the throat | Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine |
| Sun Exposure | UV damage over time can lead to cancer of the lip | Use SPF lip balm and wear a wide-brimmed hat |
| Poor Oral Hygiene | Untreated oral disease and chronic inflammation can lead to more serious problems | Brush twice daily, floss daily, keep up with cleanings |
| Diet and Lifestyle | A healthy diet and regular exercise support your immune system | Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and stay active |
Why are oral cancer screenings important?
Your dentist or hygienist can often spot early signs of oral cancer during a routine checkup. Early detection makes a big difference because the sooner oral cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. Even if you've done everything on this list, keep up with regular screenings.
If your dentist finds an area of concern, our oral surgeons can evaluate it and perform a biopsy to find out exactly what's going on.
The Center for Oral Surgery + Dental Implants is Here to Help
If your dentist has flagged an area of concern, or you've noticed a change in your mouth that won't go away, the Center for Oral Surgery + Dental Implants is here to help. Our team serves patients throughout West Michigan. Request an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the early signs of oral cancer?
Watch for a sore that doesn't heal within two weeks, white or red patches, a lump or thickening in the cheek, ongoing hoarseness, or trouble chewing or swallowing. If you notice any of these, see your dentist.
2. Who is most at risk for oral cancer?
Men are diagnosed more than twice as often as women, and the median age at diagnosis is 64. That said, about one in five cases occur in people under 55, often linked to HPV.
3. Is an oral cancer screening painful?
No. A screening is a quick visual and physical exam of your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. It's usually part of a routine dental checkup.
4. What happens if my dentist finds something suspicious?
Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for a closer look. A biopsy is the only way to confirm whether a spot is cancerous, and our team can perform one in our office.
5. Can oral cancer be prevented?
Not every case can be prevented, but avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, getting the HPV vaccine, and keeping up with screenings all lower your risk significantly.
