Skip to content

Smoking and Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious condition affecting the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat. Smoking is a leading cause, contributing to the development of most cases. Understanding the link between smoking and oral cancer can empower you to take steps to reduce your risk.

What is a Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It includes cancers of the:

  • Lips
  • Tongue
  • Gums
  • Floor and roof of the mouth
  • Tonsils and throat

Early detection is vital for successful treatment, making awareness of symptoms essential.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

Common signs of oral cancer include:

  • Persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth that don’t heal
  • Red or white patches in the mouth or throat
  • Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
  • Unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth
  • Loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures
  • Persistent sore throat or hoarseness

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

How Smoking Causes Oral Cancer?

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer. Here’s how it increases your risk:

  • Toxic Chemicals: Tobacco smoke contains over 5,000 chemicals, including carcinogens that damage cells in the mouth and throat.
  • Direct Exposure: Smoking exposes the mouth and throat to harmful toxins, creating an environment for cancerous cells to develop.
  • Combined Risks: When combined with alcohol consumption, smoking amplifies the risk of oral cancer.
  • Weakened Immune Response: Smoking weakens your body’s ability to fight off abnormal cell growth.

Even smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco, poses significant risks for oral cancers.

How to Reduce Oral Cancer?

The most effective way to lower your risk of oral cancer is to quit smoking. Quitting can:

  • Reduce the risk of developing oral cancer significantly, even if you’ve smoked for years.
  • Improve overall oral health, including reducing gum disease and bad breath.

Here’s how to get started:

  • Call: Freephone 0800 085 2219 for personalised quit support.
  • Text: HMQ to 80818 for free advice straight to your phone.
  • Visit: helpmequit.wales for resources, tools, and expert guidance.

Key Stats

  • Smoking is linked to around 65% of oral cancer cases in the UK.
  • Each year, around 8,300 people in the UK are diagnosed with oral cancer.
  • Combined tobacco and alcohol use increases oral cancer risk by up to 30 times.
  • No Downloads Available

Help Me Quit Wales:

Support for quitting smoking, including free services and expert advice.

Quitting Smoking: Your Timeline to a Healthier You

â‹…
November 6, 2024

Quitting smoking is one of the most life-changing decisions you’ll ever make, and the benefits begin almost immediately. While the …

It’s never too late – you can quit smoking at any age and any stage

â‹…
December 15, 2020

Did you know that it’s never too late or early to quit smoking – your health will improve, no matter …

What will it be like 365 days after quitting smoking?

â‹…
March 10, 2020

This #NoSmokingDay 2020 we’re looking at how you’d feel one year later if you were to quit smoking for good …

ASH Wales backs call by Cancer Research UK for a target to end smoking in Wales

â‹…
February 25, 2020

Today Cancer Research UK has called for Welsh Government to set a target to reduce adult smoking rates to a …

Smoking and the cancer connection

â‹…
February 4, 2020

To mark World Cancer Day, we’ve taken a look at the smoking and cancer connection and how the chemicals in …

Related Topics

Smoking and Stroke

Read More

Smoking and Lung Cancer

Read More

Smoking and Heart Disease

Read More

Support Our Work

Your support helps us create impactful campaigns and provide free resources to schools and communities across Wales. Every donation brings us closer to a smoke-free generation.

Donate