Tobacco Use
Alcohol Use
Dietary Factors
Sun Exposure

Note: Separate PDQ summaries on Screening for Oral Cancer; Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Treatment; and Prevention and Cessation of Cigarette Smoking: Control of Tobacco Use are also available.

Tobacco (e.g., cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco) causes oral cancer and its avoidance would result in a decreased incidence of oral cancer.

Levels of Evidence

3aii: Evidence obtained from well-designed and conducted cohort or case-control analytic studies, preferably from more than one center or research group that have a cancer incidence endpoint.

5: Opinions of respected authorities based on clinical experience or reports of expert committees.

Alcohol use, particularly beer and hard liquor, is associated with an increased risk of oral cancer. The combined use of both alcohol and tobacco use is associated with a greater risk for developing oral cancer than either exposure alone.

Levels of Evidence

3aii: Evidence obtained from well-designed and conducted cohort or case-control analytic studies, preferably from more than one center or research group that have a cancer incidence endpoint.

5: Opinions of respected authorities based on clinical experience or reports of expert committees.

A diet high in fruits and fiber is associated with a decreased risk of oral and pharyngeal cancers, particularly among smokers.

Levels of Evidence

3aii: Evidence obtained from well-designed and conducted cohort or case-control analytic studies, preferably from more than one center or research group that have a cancer incidence endpoint.

5: Opinions of respected authorities based on clinical experience or reports of expert committees.

Sunlight is associated with an increase risk of lip cancer.

Levels of Evidence

3aii: Evidence obtained from well-designed and conducted cohort or case-control analytic studies, preferably from more than one center or research group that have a cancer incidence endpoint.

5: Opinions of respected authorities based on clinical experience or reports of expert committees.

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