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Nature of our job could increase risk of developing mouth cancer

Among other risk factors, exposure to smoke at work could be a cause for the development of oral cancer. (Photograph: Ollyy/Shutterstock)
Dental Tribune International

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 3 December 2014

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RUGBY, UK: Exposure to smoke, regular consumption of processed foods, time in the sun and the consumption of alcohol as part of one’s job could increase the risk of developing mouth cancer, according to the British Dental Health Foundation.

A new survey conducted by the charity found that one in four people regularly ate processed foods at work, while one in five said sun exposure and second-hand smoke were regular occurrences. A further three in ten said they regularly drank alcohol as part of their job.

The problem appears to be compounded by habits after work, with alcohol, smoking and sexual practices all forming part of a relaxing routine. Only one in four regularly exercised, which has been linked to lowering the risk of cancer.

Tobacco use, drinking alcohol to excess, the human papillomavirus, often transmitted via oral sex, and poor diet are all risk factors for mouth cancer. Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation Dr Nigel Carter, OBE, hopes for a change in attitude to help reduce growing rates.

Carter said, “Working can be quite stressful at times, and it’s entirely understandable that people want to come home and relax. The problem with this is that many of the ways to relax actually increase the chances of developing mouth cancer.

“The problem is made worse by people not taking regular exercise and foregoing a healthy, balanced lifestyle. The idea of a takeaway after a long day at work may sound great, but fast food is one that can cause all sorts of problems, including mouth cancer.”

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