Oral cavity and lip cancer – risk factors, pathogenesis, and prevention

Emerging insights into risk factors, development, and prevention of oral cancers

Educational Objectives

Educational Aim:
The aim of this article is to discuss the risk factors, pathogenesis, and some of the new strategies for prevention of oral cancer.

Editor's comments:
Oral cavity and lip cancer is a significant public health problem in South Africa resulting in morbidity and mortality. Prevalence is characterised by age, ethnic, gender, socio-economic and regional variation. The prevalence of oral cancer in young subjects (<45 years) in South Africa is higher than the global average and not always associated with traditional risk factors. Oral cavity and lip cancer is a lethal disease for over 50% of cases diagnosed annually. More than 90% of oral cancers are oral squamous cell carcinoma. Most cancers of the lip and oral cavity are preventable.

Educational Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module practitioners should have a clear understanding of:

1. Risk factors associated with oral cancer.

2. Role of the oral microbiome and inflammation in cancer development.
3. Diagnosis of precancerous lesions
4. Cancer prevention strategies.

Instructions for this Module

• Read the supplied reading material and complete the quiz that follows;
• You have three attempts to pass the quiz;
• The pass grade is 70%;
• You need to pass the quiz to claim your CPD certificate;
• Please click on the CPD certificate link below to claim your CPD certificate and to update your CPD Manager.

If you need any assistance to complete this module, please Contact us