Lifestyle Choices Linked to Mouth Cancer Risk, Says Dental Officer

Mouth cancer remains closely linked to lifestyle choices, particularly tobacco use in both smoking and smokeless forms such as chewing tobacco.

Speaking at Nuku Village on Moala Island, Dental Officer Dr. Jone Tuiwai highlighted that combining tobacco with heavy alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of developing oral cancer.

Dr. Tuiwai further explained that other contributing factors include infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), excessive sun exposure to the lips, and a family history of cancer.

He stressed that any form of tobacco use — from cigarettes and cigars to bidis — greatly elevates the chances of oral cancer.

He also pointed out that chewing tobacco and snuff are particularly dangerous, as they are linked to cancers of the gums, inner cheeks, and lips. Even exposure to secondhand smoke poses a risk.

Regarding alcohol, Dr. Tuiwai noted that frequent and heavy drinking can heighten the risk of mouth cancer, especially when combined with tobacco use.

While HPV is primarily associated with oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the back of the throat, it can also play a role in oral cancer, although less commonly.

Dr. Tuiwai urged the public to remain aware of these risk factors and make informed choices to safeguard their health.