Oral Cancer Awareness in Jacksonville

Lowering Your Risk

Risk factors related to oral cancer

Most oral cancer is preventable. 75% of oral cancers are related to tobacco use, alcohol use, or use of both substances together. Using both tobacco and alcohol puts you at much greater risk than using either substance alone.

 

Do not use tobacco products — cigarettes, chew or snuff, pipes or cigars.  Tobacco in all forms plays a role in oral cancers.

 

 

If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Excessive alcohol use (more then 4-5 drinks a day) can increase your risk of oral cancer.

 

 

Use lip balm that contains sunscreen (SPF 15). Exposure to sunlight is a risk factor for lip cancer.

 

 

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables as part of a low-fat, high fiber diet may help reduce cancer risk.  The National Cancer Institute suggests eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.