The Causes of Lip Cancer

Cancer of the lips, a subset of oral cancer, is a serious condition. But, as with all forms of cancer, knowing and the causes of lip cancer increases your chances of avoiding the condition. While there is not one specific, known cause of lip cancer, there are many of what doctors call "risk factors."

Tobacco Use

• The use of tobacco products---including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or "smokeless tobacco" such as snuff and chewing tobacco---is one of the most prevalent of the known risk factors related to lip cancer.

Virus Infection

• Although the proof is not conclusive, some studies show that being infected with certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr Virus or Herpes Simplex may be a lip cancer risk factor.

Diet Deficiencies

• A diet low in iron, selenium, folic acid, and the vitamins A, C and E may increase your risk of developing lip cancer.

Poor Oral Hygiene

• Poor oral hygiene may help lip cancer develop and spread.

Genetic Factors

• Men, people over forty years old and people of African descent are at higher risk of developing lip cancer.