Smoking and the use of any tobacco products are one of the biggest risk factors for developing oral cancer. But what exactly about tobacco use causes cancer? And can it be prevented?
- Carcinogens:
Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including carcinogens, which are cancer-causing agents.
- DNA Damage:
These carcinogens then cause damage to your DNA within the cells that line your mouth, throat, and other parts of your oral cavity.
- Uncontrolled Cell Growth:
These damaged DNA leads to uncontrolled cell growth, which causes cancer.
Smoking can also weaken the body’s immune system, which can make it harder for your body to kill cancer cells, making it easier for cancer cells to grow and spread.
All forms of tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, cigars, pipes, and cigarettes, are risk factors for oral cancer. Smokers are about 25 times more likely to develop cancer than those who don’t.
If you smoke or have in the past and you experience any of the symptoms associated with oral cancer, talk to your doctor. Some of these symptoms include persistent sores in the mouth, white or red patches in the mouth, a lump in the mouth, or bleeding in the mouth.
If you smoke or use any tobacco product, it is important to quit. Quitting smoking lowers your risk for 12 different cancers. Talk to your doctor if you need assistance with quitting or reducing your tobacco use.
published: March 28, 2025, 8:54 p.m.