From the Guidelines
Cigar smoking is a significant risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer, and cessation of cigar smoking is the most effective way to reduce this cancer risk. The evidence from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement 1, 2, 3 suggests that tobacco and alcohol use are major risk factors for oral cancer, and cigar smoking contains many of the same carcinogens as cigarette smoke, which can damage DNA in the cells lining the oral cavity and throat.
Key Points
- Cigar smoke contains carcinogens such as nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and benzene, which can increase the risk of oropharyngeal cancer 1.
- The risk of oropharyngeal cancer increases with frequency and duration of cigar use, with regular cigar smokers having up to 10 times the risk of developing oropharyngeal cancers compared to non-smokers.
- Complete cessation of cigar smoking is the most effective way to reduce the risk of oropharyngeal cancer.
- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening all adults for tobacco use and providing tobacco cessation interventions for those who use tobacco products 3.
Recommendations
- Cigar smokers should quit smoking to reduce their risk of oropharyngeal cancer.
- Healthcare providers should screen all adults for tobacco use and provide tobacco cessation interventions for those who use tobacco products.
- Further research is needed to determine the accuracy of primary care providers screening for oral cancer and to understand the risks and benefits of screening in high-risk populations, such as African Americans and men 2.
From the Research
Oropharyngeal Cancer and Cigar Smoking
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically links cigar smoking to oropharyngeal (throat and mouth) cancer.
- However, the studies suggest that tobacco use, in general, is a significant risk factor for the development of oropharyngeal tumors 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
- Smoking has been shown to have a negative effect on cure rates, local control, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival in patients with oropharyngeal cancer 4, 6, 8.
Risk Factors for Oropharyngeal Cancer
- Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are recognized as major risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer 4, 5.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is also a significant risk factor, particularly in younger patients 4, 6, 7.
- Other risk factors include several carcinogens, occupational exposures, and vitamin deficiencies 5.
Treatment and Outcomes
- Treatment options for oropharyngeal cancer include radiation therapy, surgery, and combined chemoradiation 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
- HPV-positive tumors have been shown to have better survival outcomes than HPV-negative tumors 4, 6, 7.
- Smoking has been shown to worsen the response to treatment and decrease survival outcomes in patients with oropharyngeal cancer, regardless of HPV status 4, 6, 8.