Abstract
Alcohol consumption has long been recognised as one of the major risk factors for the development of oral cancer [1]. The establishment of the sole effect of alcohol on the oral mucosa and its link to the development of oral cancer have been considered a significant challenge, principally because alcohol consumption histories are difficult to verify, alter over time, both with respect to beverage type and quantity, and are frequently confounded by tobacco use [2]. This is further explained by the established joint effect of alcohol and tobacco in the development of head and neck cancers [2]. In addition, it can be difficult to obtain reliable information from patients about their alcohol intake where the data on alcohol ingestion is based on a highly subjective estimate provided by patients, and this can be due to the different drinking behaviours, e.g. some may ‘binge’ drink and others have a high daily intake. This chapter will discuss the epidemiological evidence for the role of alcohol in oral cancer, the topical and systemic effects of alcohol, alcohol-related oral carcinogenesis and the association between alcohol-containing mouthwashes and oral cancer risk. It will also outline the health benefits of alcohol moderation and cessation and its role in prevention of human oral cancer.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Development of oral cancer |
| Subtitle of host publication | risk factors and prevention strategies |
| Editors | Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa |
| Publisher | Springer Publishing |
| Pages | 61-82 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9783319480541 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9783319480534 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 3 Aug 2017 |
