Risks for laryngeal cancer
Some things can affect your risk, or chance, of developing cancer. Certain behaviours, substances or conditions can increase or decrease the risk. Most cancers are the result of many risks. But sometimes cancer develops in people who don't have any risks.
Laryngeal cancer most commonly occurs in people between 50 and 60 years of age. More men than women develop laryngeal cancer.
There are things you can do to lower your risk and help protect yourself from developing cancer.
The following can increase your risk for laryngeal cancer:
Smoking tobacco and second-hand smoke
Smoking tobacco and second-hand smoke
Smoking tobacco increases your risk for laryngeal cancer. All forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars and pipes, increase your risk.
The more you smoke and the longer you smoke, the greater your risk. The risk of
developing laryngeal cancer decreases with time after you quit smoking. People
who continue to smoke after treatment for laryngeal cancer have a greater risk
of developing a second
Second-hand smoke also increases your risk of laryngeal cancer.
Find out more about how to live smoke-free.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol increases your risk for laryngeal cancer. People who continue to drink heavily after treatment for laryngeal cancer have a greater risk of developing a second head and neck cancer than people who stop drinking. The more you drink, the greater your risk.
Find out more about how to limit alcohol.
Combined smoking and alcohol use
Smoking and drinking alcohol together increases the risk for laryngeal cancer significantly more than either smoking or drinking alcohol alone.
Contact with chemicals at work
Coming into contact with the following chemicals at work increases the risk for laryngeal cancer.
Asbestos is a group of minerals that occur naturally. Asbestos has been widely used in building materials and many industries. Asbestos increases the risk for laryngeal cancer.
Sulphuric acid is a strong acid that is very irritating and damaging to human tissues. It is used in making and finishing metals, making fertilizer and making batteries. It is also used in the chemical and petrochemical industries. People who work in these industries can be exposed to sulphuric acid. Several studies show that workers exposed to sulphuric acid mist have higher rates of laryngeal cancer.
Find out more about asbestos and cancer and how to be safe at work.
Possible risks
The following have been linked with an increased risk of laryngeal cancer, but more research is needed to know for sure that they are risks:
-
gastroesophageal reflux, which can be caused by
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or can happen after the stomach is removed (gastrectomy) - a family history of cancer, especially head and neck cancers
- not eating many vegetables and fruit
- eating large amounts of animal products, processed meats and fat
-
human papillomavirus (HPV)
Understanding your cancer risk
To make the decisions that are right for you, ask your doctor questions about risks. Learn how cancer can be prevented and what you can do to reduce your risk.
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