Epidemiology of Oral Cancers

The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems.

The number of new cases of a disease or condition that occur in a specific population during a given period.

The total number of cases of a disease or condition that exist in a specific population at a given point in time.

Factors that contribute to the development of a disease, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection.

A type of cancer that originates in the epithelial tissues of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and floor of the mouth.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of oral cancer. It accounts for a vast majority of oral cancer cases.

Global incidence of oral cancer is estimated to be about 4 cases per 100,000 people. This means, on average, 4 out of every 100,000 people will develop oral cancer.

Oral cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with about 180,000 deaths each year. This highlights the importance of early detection and prevention.

Oral cancer is more common in men than in women.

Oral cancer incidence increases with age. Older adults are at a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are increasingly recognized as a cause of oral cancers, especially among younger populations in North America and Europe.

The epidemiologic triad helps explain the factors that contribute to oral cancer development. It consists of the agent (e.g., viruses, chemicals), the host (e.g., age, genetics), and the environment (e.g., pollution, sunlight).

Factors that contribute to oral cancer development include but are not limited to: smoking, alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and exposure to certain environmental factors such as pollution and sunlight.

The average age at which oral cancer is diagnosed varies in different countries and is linked to the prevalence of risk factors.

Men are more likely to develop oral cancer compared to women, often due to higher exposure to risk factors like alcohol and tobacco use.

Differences in cultural practices and social factors can influence the prevalence of oral cancer among different ethnic groups.

The most common site for oral cancer is the tongue, a concern worldwide, especially in regions with high rates of alcohol and tobacco use.

Lip cancer, primarily affecting the lower lip, is more common in older males and linked to factors like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and exposure to sunlight.

Cancer on the buccal mucosa, the inner lining of the cheek, is often related to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and chronic irritation caused by biting or dental devices.

Gingival cancer, affecting the gums, is often diagnosed late due to its similarity to benign dental conditions, making early detection challenging.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known risk factor for oral cancer, especially for tongue cancer.

Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and poor diet are responsible for almost 90% of head and neck cancers, including oral cancer.

Oral cancer causes more than 140,000 deaths globally each year.

Nicotine, a chemical in tobacco, causes addiction by triggering the release of dopamine, a pleasure chemical in the brain.

Nicotine itself may not cause cancer, but it aids in the formation of potent carcinogens called tobacco-specific nitrosamines.

Tobacco-specific nitrosamines are potent cancer-causing substances formed from a reaction between nitrates/nitrites and certain amines.

Nicotine reduces blood flow, weakens the immune system, and makes the body more susceptible to cancer.

Chewing tobacco is more common in Asia, and areca nut is prevalent in the Pacific Islands.

Because tobacco use is declining in developed countries, oral cancer may be diagnosed earlier in younger people in developing countries.

It's the particulate matter inhaled from a lit cigarette containing nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and tumor-causing compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and tobacco-specific nitrosamines.

It's a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that reduces oxygen uptake in the lungs and blood.

These are radioactive compounds found in cigarette smoke, including polonium-210, potassium-40, radium-226, radium-228, and thorium-228, known to cause cancer.

It's the most common type of oral cancer, arising in the epithelial tissues of the mouth.

These are viruses (HIV, HPV, EBV, HSV) and fungi (Candida) that can contribute to oral cancer development.

These are chemicals like arsenic, dyes, nickel, aromatic amines, and chromium that can increase oral cancer risk.

These are physical factors, like sharp teeth and ill-fitting dentures, that can irritate the mouth and contribute to oral cancer.

These are factors like age, genetics, and immune system function that influence an individual's susceptibility to oral cancer.

Certain foods and substances that can increase the risk of developing cancer. These include saccharin, aflatoxin, high fat intake, and deficiencies in folic acid and protein. Excessive red chili powder consumption, as well as low levels of copper, zinc, vegetables, vitamin E, and C, can also contribute to cancer risk.

It includes some organic pollutants like chloroform, which can contaminate drinking water and be linked to cancer development.

Industrialization is a risk factor for cancer because industries release harmful toxins into the environment, polluting water sources and the air we breathe. This contaminated environment can contribute to cancer development.

Oral cancer incidence varies based on location. Prevalence rates are often higher in developing countries compared to developed countries due to factors like access to healthcare and exposure to risk factors.

The incidence of oral cancer tends to be higher in lower/middle income countries and developing countries compared to developed countries. Possible reasons include lifestyle factors, accessibility to healthcare, and exposure to various carcinogens.