Effect of the accumulation of risk factors on the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Introduction: the causative factors of oral squamous cell carcinoma are not necessary and not sufficient causes, even the most accepted ones, such as tobacco and alcohol. Little is known about the cumulative effect of all risk factors for oral cancer. The objective of this work was to analyze whether the sum of oral cancer risk factors is associated with an increase in its risk.
Methods: a case-control study was carried out to determine the risk factors for oral cancer in the population under study, and then correlate the number of risk factors in each individual with the risk of oral cancer.
Results: the accumulation of oral cancer risk factors, analyzed using different strategies, was always associated with a significant increase in the risk of oral cancer. Having 3 or more risk factors was associated with an increased risk of oral cancer (OR 110, p <0.0001)
Conclusion: the main risk factor for oral cancer is the accumulation of its risk factors. The accumulation of risk factors could be considered a necessary cause for the development of oral cancer.
(Universidad Nacional de Córdoba)