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Oral cancer primary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sargun Singh Walia M.B.B.S.[2], Simrat Sarai, M.D. [3]; Grammar Reviewer: Natalie Harpenau, B.S.[4]

Overview

Effective measures for the primary prevention of oral cancer include tobacco cessation, alcohol cessation, HPV vaccine, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.

Primary Prevention

  • Effective measures for the primary prevention of oral cancer include:[1]
    • Tobacco cessation[2]
      • Based on solid evidence, cessation of exposure to tobacco (e.g., cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco) leads to a decrease in the risk of cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx.
    • Cessation of alcohol consumption[3]
      • Based on fair evidence, cessation of alcohol consumption leads to a decrease in oral cavity cancer but not until approximately 10 years after cessation.
      • For cancer of the oropharynx, reduction in risk does not occur until approximately 20 years after cessation.
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine[4]
      • Vaccination against HPV 16 and 18 has shown to prevent more than 90% of oral HPV 16/18 infections within 4 years of vaccination.
      • HPV-positive patients should be educated that their partners are at risk of developing cancer.
    • Safe oral sex
    • Avoiding excessive sun exposure

References

  1. Weyne J, Kazemi H, Leusen I (1976). “Mechanisms of CSF bicarbonate formation in normocapnia”. Arch. Int. Physiol. Biochim. 84 (4): 908–10. PMID 65979.
  2. Huber MA, Tantiwongkosi B (2014). “Oral and oropharyngeal cancer”. Med. Clin. North Am. 98 (6): 1299–321. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2014.08.005. PMID 25443678.
  3. Altieri A, Bosetti C, Gallus S, Franceschi S, Dal Maso L, Talamini R, Levi F, Negri E, Rodriguez T, La Vecchia C (2004). “Wine, beer and spirits and risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer: a case-control study from Italy and Switzerland”. Oral Oncol. 40 (9): 904–9. doi:10.1016/j.oraloncology.2004.04.005. PMID 15380168.
  4. Altieri A, Bosetti C, Gallus S, Franceschi S, Dal Maso L, Talamini R, Levi F, Negri E, Rodriguez T, La Vecchia C (2004). “Wine, beer and spirits and risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer: a case-control study from Italy and Switzerland”. Oral Oncol. 40 (9): 904–9. doi:10.1016/j.oraloncology.2004.04.005. PMID 15380168.


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