Oral cancer risk is significantly elevated among long-term and heavy users of tobacco and tobacco products. Approximately 75% of individuals diagnosed with oral cancer have a history of tobacco use, and this risk increases proportionally with the duration and quantity of tobacco consumed.

Other contributing risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure, being over the age of 40, and obesity. Individuals with a history of head and neck cancers face a heightened risk of developing oral cancer, particularly if they continue to smoke and consume alcohol.

Further factors that increase the likelihood of oral cancer include Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, poor nutrition, a weakened immune system, certain underlying health conditions such as graft-versus-host disease or Fanconi anemia, and inadequate oral hygiene.

It is also important to note that individuals diagnosed with oral cancer have an increased propensity to develop other cancers, including laryngeal, esophageal, or lung cancer.