It is not possible to say what causes head and neck cancer in a single person. We do know there are some features that are more common in people who develop head and neck cancer. These features are called ‘risk factors’.
But it is usually hard to be sure whether a risk factor contributed to the development of the cancer in a person. And having one or more risk factors for head and neck cancer does not mean that someone will develop this cancer. In fact, many people with head and neck cancer have no obvious risk factors.
Some factors can lower your risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Risk factors for head and neck cancer you can change:
- smoking or chewing tobacco
- drinking alcohol
- eating a lot of processed or take away foods
- not looking after our teeth or gums
- chewing betel nuts.
Risk factors for head and neck cancer you can’t change:
- previous history of infection with human papilloma virus, or Epstein-Barr virus
- being over 50 years of age
- weakened immune system.
If you have any of these risk factors or you’re worried about your risk for head and neck cancer, yarn with your doctor, nurse or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker.