Oral cancer: Who's at risk? Doctors cannot always explain why one person develops oral cancer and another does not. However, we do know that this disease is not contagious. You cannot "catch" oral cancer from another person. Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop oral cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of developing a disease. The following are risk factors for oral cancer: • Tobacco: Tobacco use accounts for most oral cancers. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; using chewing tobacco; and dipping snuff are all linked to oral cancer. • Alcohol: People who drink alcohol are more likely to develop oral cancer than people who don't drink. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol that a person consumes. The risk increases even more if the person both drinks alcohol and uses tobacco. • Sun: Cancer of the lip can be caused by exposure to the sun. Using a lotion or lip balm that has a sunscreen can reduce the risk. • A personal history of head and neck cancer. Risks Associated with Oral Piercing • Pain • Swelling Infection • Localized and systemic nerve damage • Fractured teeth or dental work • Excessive salivation and drooling • Gingival recession • Alteration of taste • Interference with speech, chewing, or swallowing • Scar tissue • Sensitivity or allergic reaction to metal • Prolonged bleeding following the procedure • Airway obstruction caused by swelling, ingestion or aspiration of jewelry If you happen to see any lesion, discoloration or anything unusual in your mouth, it is best to contact us at 503-654-4111.