Lifestyle Risk Factors That Increase Chances of Developing Oral Cancer: Up to Date Review

Abstract

Oral cancer is on the 6th most common cause of malignancies of the world. With higher prevention strategies, the 5‑year survival rate of oral cancer is lower than 50% in some countries. Several risk factors that are linked with lifestyle behaviors have been identified in the occurrence of oral cancers. 2.Methods: Multiple database from 2014 to mid 2024. Applying filters were used to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which investigated oral cancer incidence and risk factors. All published articles related to ″behavior risk factors in oral cancer″ were included in this review. 3.Results: The utilization of tobacco has reached the proportions of a global epidemic; alcohol association even raises the risk of developing oral cancer. In recent studies, there has been an association between smoking and a higher HPV infection. In addition, Candida albicans disrupt the metabolism of epithelial cells, so they can evolve from leukoplakia to dysplasia or even carcinoma leading to association of chronic inflammation. Also a persisting chronic inflammation with the association of one more risk factors from above can lead to an increase chance of developing oral cancer. 4.Conclusion: Most oral cancer are due to behavior habits, the main risk factors in oral cancer are smoking, alcohol consumption and the presence of HPV. ). Improving lifestyle changes should be one of the goals in every patient’s life. In addition, different strategy of public health information should be promoted in order to consider giving up smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol. A change in diet is also necessary. Therefore, public health campaigns are essential in determining a prevention of behavior lifestyle habits especially in younger adults because they represent the future adults.