Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
The cause of head and neck cancer in most people is still unknown, but research is going on all the time to learn more.
There are a number of risk factors that can increase your chance of developing head and neck cancer. These are:
Like most types of cancer, head and neck cancers are more common in older people. They are also more common in men than women.
Squamous cell carcinomas are much more common in smokers and people who drink a lot of alcohol, particularly spirits, and even more common in people who do both.
Pipe smokers and people who hold cigarettes between their lips for long periods have a higher risk of cancers in the lip area.
People who chew tobacco or betel nuts and those who use paan have a higher risk of cancers in the oral cavity.
People who have long periods of exposure to the sun in their daily life have an increased risk of developing cancers of the lip and the skin| of the head and neck area, especially the ear.
A poor diet that contains very little fresh fruit and vegetables may increase your risk of certain types of mouth cancer|.
Breathing in certain chemicals and hardwood dusts (for example, in workplaces) increases the risk of cancers of the nose| and sinuses|.
In recent years it has been discovered that some head and neck cancers, particularly those of the tonsil and tongue, are linked to infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV)|. This is often related to oral sex, which transmits the virus.
There are a number of pre-cancerous conditions that can affect the head and neck, such as leukoplakia and erythroplakia| which can increase the risk of a cancer developing.
Most head and neck cancers are not caused by an inherited faulty gene, so members of your family are not likely to be at higher risk of developing head and neck cancer because you have it. If someone with head and neck cancer has a relative who also has cancer, this is more likely to be due to similar lifestyles and habits (such as smoking) than an inherited cancer risk.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.