Are Non-Smokers At A Higher Risk Of Cancer Than Smokers?

Certain types of oral cancers may be more prominent in nonsmokers than smokers, according to recent findings in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

For the researchers' latest findings, they examined whether oral cavity cancers are more common at certain locations exposed to dental trauma, particularly among smokers vs. non-smokers.

Findings revealed that high rates of mouth squamous cell cancers in non-smokers changed the typical rule of the five "S's", including smoking, syphilis, spirits, spices and sharp (or septic) teeth. Yet other factors increased the risk of the problem-including immunosuppression and certain types of vitamin deficiencies.

More specifically, researchers examined data from 724 patients of whom 334 had oropharyngeal cancer and 390 had oral cavity cancer. Findings showed that 48 of the 334 oropharyngeal cancer patients were lifelong smokers, 226 were current smokes and another 20 were former smokers.
Furthermore, researchers also discovered that the edge of the tongue was oftentimes a common spot for tumors among smokers and nonsmokers, alike-yet more common in non-smokers, overall.

However, researchers reiterate that this research does not prove that chronic dental trauma results in cancer.

"Our data support the limited evidence from the small number of previous studies that recognized a potential role of chronic dental irritation in carcinogenesis," they concluded.