What is the probability of getting oral cancer?

Risk factors: The main risk factors are tobacco and alcohol use. The chance of getting oral cancer is even higher if you use both. If you use neither, it is very unlikely that you would get oral cancer.

Today's risk is HPV!: About thirty years ago, the risk of getting oral cancer was extremely low. While still low, it has increased significantly. While alcohol and tobacco usage was the old profile, it is the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus that is spiking oral cancer in a relatively young population. Fortunately, research is showing the hpv vaccine protects against cervical cancer and oral cancer!

That depends: That depends on your risk factors. The three biggest risk factors are: smoking, alcohol consumption and exposure to human papilloma virus (oral sex with multiple partners increases your risk). If you control these risks your chances of oral cancer are low. The more you indulge in risk factors the higher your chance will be.

Rare, unless: Rare, unless heavy smoker and drinker.

Relatively rare: Overall, about 2-3 out of every 100 cancers diagnosed are mouth or oropharynx cancers. Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco and pipes) and drinking alcohol are the main risk factors for oral cancers. If concerned, see your dentist for cancer screening.