Throat Cancer Risk factors

Many risk factors are suspected in the development of throat cancer; the most common include:

Poor dental hygiene ;
Age – throat cancer mainly affects people between 50 and 70 years;
Sex - men are nearly ten times more victim of throat cancer than women;
Chemicals - exposure to sulfuric acid fumes and asbestos, toxic vapors of organic substances/chemicals can lead to occurrence of throat cancer.

Diet - eating a diet rich in hot, irritating and acidic foods, but low in fruits and vegetables increases your risk of throat cancer.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - prolonged irritation associated with chronic gastroesophageal reflux can cause the development of cancers of the esophagus and larynx.
Throat Injury - if you abuse your vocal cords (if you're a singer for example), you can develop benign polyps in your throat, which can become cancerous if not treated.
Alcohol - a moderate consumption of alcohol is safe; heavy consumption, however, can double your risk of developing cancer of the throat. When alcohol is associated with tobacco, the risk is considerably increased.
Human papillomavirus – it is shown in some studies that chronic infection with HPV can cause formation of cancerous cells in the throat. . Without effective treatment, the virus will bind to the larynx and causes later formation of tumors called laryngeal papillomas, which can develop into cancer.
Weakened immune system - if your immune system is weakened, you are susceptible to be a victim of many types of cancers including throat cancer. Factors that can weaken your immune system are numerous, the most common include:

a) HIV/ SIDA

b) stress

c) Poor diet

d) malnutrition

e) taking immunosuppressive drugs after an organ transplant

f) Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

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