Causes of head and neck cancer

Reduce your risk

Head and Neck cancers are the 8th most common cancer in the UK with over 12,400 people are diagnosed in the UK every year. Head and Neck cancers do not discriminate; anyone can get the disease so it is important everyone does everything they can to reduce their risk.

There are 2 substances that greatly increase the risk of developing a Head and Neck cancer:

Tobacco Expand

Tobacco use includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; chewing tobacco; and using snuff.

It is the single largest risk factor for head and neck cancer. Researchers estimate that 70% to 80% of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, and the amount of tobacco use may affect the chance of recovery.

In addition, secondhand smoke may increase a person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer.

Alcohol Expand

Frequent and heavy alcohol consumption raises the risk of developing cancer in the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus.

Using alcohol and tobacco together increases this risk even more.

Other factors that can raise a person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer include:

Prolonged sun exposure Expand

This is especially linked to cancer in the lip area, as well as skin cancer of the head and neck.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) Expand

Research shows that infection with HPV is a risk factor for head and neck cancer. Sexual activity with a person who has HPV is the most common way someone gets HPV. There are different types of HPV, called strains. Research links some HPV strains more strongly with certain types of cancers.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Expand

Exposure to EBV, which is more commonly known as the virus that causes mononucleosis or “mono,” plays a role in the development of nasopharyngeal cancer.

Gender Expand

Men are 2 to 3 times more likely than women to develop head and neck cancer. However, the rate of head and neck cancer in women has been rising for several decades.

Age Expand

People over the age of 40 are at higher risk for head and neck cancer.

Poor oral and dental hygiene Expand

Poor care of the mouth and teeth may increase the risk of head and neck cancer.

Environmental or occupational inhalants Expand

Inhaling asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes, and certain chemicals may increase a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.

Marijuana use Expand

Research suggests that people who have used marijuana may be at higher risk for head and neck cancer.

Poor nutrition Expand

A diet low in vitamins A and B can raise a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) Expand

Reflux of stomach acid into the upper airway and throat may be associated with the development of head and neck cancer.

Weakened immune system Expand

A weakened immune system can raise a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.

Exposure to radiation Expand

Exposure to radiation is associated with salivary gland cancer.

Previous history of head and neck cancer Expand

People who have had 1 head and neck cancer have a higher chance of developing another head and neck cancer in the future.

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