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Prolonged tobacco use in all its forms (smoking, chewing, smokeless tobaccos, betel nut and bedis) is still the most prevalent cause of oral cancer. Heavy alcohol use (defined as more than four standard drinks on a single occasion) is also high on the list of risk factors. When used together your risk is significantly increased, as the two act synergistically. Those who both smoke and drink, have a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer than others. The effect that alcohol has on the soft tissues of the mouth may be the key to understanding how it combines with tobacco to increase the risk of developing cancer. The dehydrating effect of alcohol on cell walls enhances the ability of tobacco carcinogens to permeate mouth tissues. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies associated with heavy drinking can lower the body's natural ability to use antioxidants to prevent the formation of cancers. Regardless of the precise relationship between alcohol use and tobacco use in the causes of oral cancer is it is widely accepted that eliminating the use of oral tobacco, and reducing or eliminating your intake of alcohol, will immediately reduce your risk of developing oral cancer. In fact, within 10 years your risk for oral cancer should be as low as any other non-drinker/non-smoker.
Sun Exposure
Extended sun exposure to any part of your body, including your lips, without a broad spectrum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) can increase your risk of skin cancer. Known as Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), this form of skin cancer can appear on parts of the body that are most exposed to the sun, such as your lips, and have a high risk of spreading.
Because of the increased awareness of the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight and the increased use of sunscreens the instances of this type of oral cancer have been slowly declining. However, it still pays to remember that you need to protect every exposed part of your body from the suns harmful rays.