Dental

MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
NAME: KYOMUHENDO RONALD
REG NO: 2021/U/MMU/BNSD/008
YEAR: 3
SEMESTER: 2
COURSE UNIT: DENTAL HEALTH NURSING
COURSE CODE:
COURSE WORK: INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
LECTURER: Mr. APPULISON FRIDAY DAVID
QUESTIONS:
Describe 7 risk factors of Oral cancer

Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth,
hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat, has several well-established risk factors.
The exact cause of oral cancer is unknown. However, there are several factors that
are likely to increase your risk.
Around 90% of mouth cancers can be linked to preventable lifestyle factors such as
smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
The below causes are linked to mouth cancer
Smoking
Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for oral cancer.
This includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as using smokeless

tobacco products like chewing tobacco.
The carcinogenic compounds in tobacco can cause mutations in the DNA of oral
cells.
These mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.
Additionally, tobacco can impair the immune response and promote inflammation
in oral tissues.
Smoking tobacco increases your risk of developing mouth cancer by up to ten

times, compared with never-smokers. This includes smoking cigarettes, pipes or
cigars.
Around two in every three (more than 60%) mouth cancers are linked to smoking.
There is also evidence that second-hand smoke at home or in the workplace may
increase a person’s risk of mouth cancer.
Alcohol consumption
Alcohol acts as an irritant to the mucosal lining of the mouth and throat.
When combined with tobacco use, the risk increases significantly due to a
synergistic effect; alcohol enhances the absorption of carcinogens from tobacco
into the tissues.
Chronic alcohol exposure can lead to cellular damage and promote dysplasia
(abnormal cell growth), which may progress to cancer.
Drinking alcohol to excess increases your risk of mouth cancer. Alcohol is linked
to just under a third (30%) of all mouth cancers.
Smoking and drinking together increases the risk of mouth cancer by up to 30

times.
Human papilloma virus
Certain strains of HPV, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, are linked to an

increased risk of oropharyngeal cancers (cancers located at the back of the throat).
HPV can integrate its DNA into host cells’ genomes, leading to disruptions in
normal cell cycle regulation and promoting malignant transformation.
The prevalence of HPV-related oral cancers has been rising among younger
populations who may not have traditional risk factors like smoking or heavy
drinking.
Many recent reports have linked mouth cancer to the human papillomavirus
(HPV).
HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer and affects the skin that lines the moist
areas of the body. HPV can be spread through oral sex, and research suggests that
it could soon rival smoking and drinking as one of the main causes of mouth
cancer.
Practicing safe sex and limiting the number of partners you have may help reduce
your chances of contracting HPV.
Poor Oral Hygiene and Dental Care
Poor oral hygiene can contribute to chronic inflammation and infection in the
mouth, which may increase cancer risk over time.
Conditions such as periodontal disease have been associated with a higher

incidence of oral cancers due to ongoing inflammatory processes that may promote
cellular changes leading to malignancy.
Diet
A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables may increase susceptibility to oral cancer
due to insufficient intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help
protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Nutrients such as vitamin C and carotenoids play a role in maintaining healthy

mucosal tissues; their deficiency could impair local immunity and increase cancer
risk.
Around a third of mouth cancers are thought to be linked to an unhealthy diet and a
lack of vitamins and minerals.
It is recommended that you eat a healthy, balanced diet including lots of fruit and
vegetables each day.
Increasing evidence also suggests that Omega 3, found in foods such as eggs and
fish, can help lower your risk. Foods high in fiber such as nuts, seeds, whole-wheat
pasta and brown rice, are also said to do the same.
Sunlight and sunbeds

Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer specifically.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight can cause direct DNA damage in skin
cells on the lips. Over time, this damage can accumulate and lead to mutations that
result in cancerous changes.
Individuals with fair skin or those who work outdoors without adequate lip
protection are particularly at risk.
Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known cause of skin cancer. This can
occur either from natural sunlight or sunbeds.
Skin cancer can develop on the lips as this area is often exposed to UV radiation.
Family history, genetics and the immune system
Individuals with a family history of head and neck cancers may have a genetic
predisposition that increases their likelihood of developing oral cancer themselves.
Genetic mutations inherited from parents can affect various cellular processes
including DNA repair mechanisms or apoptosis (programmed cell death), leading
to an increased chance for malignant transformations within oral tissues.
Although we do not know why, there is a slight increase in risk of mouth cancer if
you have a close relative diagnosed with the disease.
Mouth cancer can also be more likely for those who carry certain inherited genes.
Links have been found for those with genetic conditions affecting the bone
marrow, skin or fingernails.
Research also shows those undergoing treatment for HIV or AIDS, and those
taking medication after organ transplants are slightly more at risk of mouth cancer.
This is because some of the medication in these cases can weaken the immune
system.
Cancer history
Those who have had a mouth cancer are at greater risk of developing it again.
There are also other cancers which can mean a person is more likely to get mouth
cancer. These include:
 Oesophagus cancer (of the food pipe)
 Squamous cell skin cancer
 Cervical cancer
 Penile cancer
 Anal cancer
Chewing and smokeless tobacco

Smokeless tobacco is any tobacco product that is placed in the mouth or nose and
not burned.
Chewing and smokeless tobacco is extremely harmful and can significantly

increase a person's risk of being diagnosed with mouth cancer.
The types of smokeless tobacco products most used contain a mix of ingredients
including slaked lime, areca nut and spices, flavorings and sweeteners.
The terminology for smokeless tobacco varies, but the main types used in the UK
include:
 Gutka, Khaini, Pan Masala (betel quid), Shammah and Maras powder (these
are sucked or chewed);
 Zarda, Qiwam, or Mawa (chewed);
 Lal dantmanjan, Gadakhu, Gul, Mishri, or Creamy Snuff (dental products

which are used as toothpaste or rubbed on gums);
 Nass (can be used nasally, sucked or chewed).
Smokeless tobacco is often popular with South Asian communities.

REFERENCES
1. Johnson, N. W., Warnakulasuriya, S., Gupta, P. C., & Glick, M.

(2011). Global oral health inequalities in incidence and outcomes for
oral cancer: Causes and solutions. Advances in Dental Research,
23(2), 237-246. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034511402082
 2 . Sankaranarayanan, R., Ramadas, K., & Amarasinghe, H.
(2015). Oral cancer: Prevention, early detection, and treatment. In H.
Gelband et al. (Eds.), Cancer: Disease Control Priorities (Vol. 3) (3rd ed.).
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World
Bank.
3. Warnakulasuriya, S., Scully, C., & Johnson, N. W.
(2007). Nomenclature and classification of potentially malignant
disorders of the oral mucosa. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine,
36(10), 575-580. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.2007.00582.x

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MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

NAME: KYOMUHENDO RONALD

REG NO: 2021/U/MMU/BNSD/008

COURSE UNIT: DENTAL HEALTH NURSING

COURSE WORK: INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

LECTURER: Mr. APPULISON FRIDAY DAVID

Describe 7 risk factors of Oral cancer

The below causes are linked to mouth cancer

This includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as using smokeless

Smoking tobacco increases your risk of developing mouth cancer by up to ten

Smoking and drinking together increases the risk of mouth cancer by up to 30

Human papilloma virus

Certain strains of HPV, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, are linked to an

Poor Oral Hygiene and Dental Care

Conditions such as periodontal disease have been associated with a higher

Nutrients such as vitamin C and carotenoids play a role in maintaining healthy

Sunlight and sunbeds

Family history, genetics and the immune system

 Oesophagus cancer (of the food pipe)

 Squamous cell skin cancer

Chewing and smokeless tobacco

Chewing and smokeless tobacco is extremely harmful and can significantly

 Zarda, Qiwam, or Mawa (chewed);

 Lal dantmanjan, Gadakhu, Gul, Mishri, or Creamy Snuff (dental products

 Nass (can be used nasally, sucked or chewed).

Smokeless tobacco is often popular with South Asian communities.

1. Johnson, N. W., Warnakulasuriya, S., Gupta, P. C., & Glick, M.

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