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Summary of Evidence

Note: Separate PDQ summaries on Oral Cancer Screening;Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Treatment; and Prevention and Cessation of Cigarette Smoking: Control of Tobacco Use are also available.

Avoidance of Tobacco

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Based on solid evidence, avoidance or cessation of exposure to tobacco (e.g., cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco) would lead to a decrease in oral cancer.

Description of the Evidence

Study Design: Evidence of association and reduced risk obtained from cohort or case-control studies.
Internal Validity: Good.
Consistency: Good.
Magnitude of Effects on Health Outcomes: Decreased risk, moderate to large magnitude.
External Validity: Good.

Avoidance of Alcohol

Although alcohol use is a risk factor for oral cancer, there is inadequate evidence that cessation of alcohol use decreases the risk of oral cancer.

Description of the Evidence

Study Design: Evidence of association only from cohort or case-control studies.
Internal Validity: Good.
Consistency: Good.
Magnitude of Effects on Health Outcomes: Decreased risk, moderate magnitude.
External Validity: Good.

Oral cancer risk is highest in persons using both alcohol and tobacco, compared with those using one or the other.

Dietary Factors

There is inadequate evidence to determine whether a change in diet would decrease the risk of oral cancer.

Description of the Evidence

Study Design: Evidence of association only obtained from cohort or case-control studies.
Internal Validity: Inadequate.
Consistency: Not applicable (N/A).
Magnitude of Effects on Health Outcomes: N/A.
External Validity: N/A.

Sun Exposure

There is inadequate evidence to determine whether reducing sun exposure would prevent lip cancer.

Description of the Evidence

Study Design: Evidence of association only obtained from cohort or case-control studies.
Internal Validity: Inadequate.
Consistency: N/A.
Magnitude of Effects on Health Outcomes: N/A.
External Validity: N/A.

WebMD Public Information from the National Cancer Institute

Last Updated: October 07, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.