The risk of oral cancer significantly increases with long-term and heavy use of tobacco and tobacco products; approximately 75% of diagnosed oral cancer cases are tobacco users. The risk is directly related to the quantity and duration of tobacco use. Other significant risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, excessive exposure to sunlight, being aged 40 and above, and obesity. Individuals with a history of head and neck cancer have an elevated risk of developing oral cancer, especially if they continue to use tobacco and alcohol. Additionally, factors such as HPV infection, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, poor nutrition, a weakened immune system, certain health conditions like graft-versus-host disease or Fanconi anemia, and poor oral hygiene are among the factors that increase risk. Individuals diagnosed with oral cancer also face an increased likelihood of developing secondary cancers such as laryngeal, esophageal, or lung cancer.