Cancer of the oral cavity is a major public health problem in France. Incidence rates are among the highest in the world. Although early detection is possible and effective, these tumors are often diagnosed at an advanced stage and are thus responsible for over 1,500 deaths per year. The objective of this work was to clarify the role and impact of several risk factors in the development of cancers of the oral cavity in France, particularly to examine the role of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking by subsite, and to explore associations with other potential risk factors (body mass index, medical history, family history of cancer, tea and coffee consumption). We analyzed detailed data from 772 cases of cancer of the oral cavity and 3555 controls included in a large population-based case-control study, the ICARE study. Tobacco smoking increased the risk of oral cavity cancer even for low quantities and/or durations, while alcohol drinking increased this risk only in heavy drinkers. The combined effect of tobacco and alcohol was greater than multiplicative. Associations with alcohol and tobacco consumption varied depending on subsite: the strongest associations were observed for the floor of the mouth, the lowest for the gums. The analysis of other risk factors showed: an inverse association between oral cancer risk and body mass index with a lowered risk among overweight or obese; an increased risk associated with an history of head and neck cancer in 1st degree relatives; an elevated risk in people with a history of oral candidiasis and a decreased risk among consumers of tea or coffee. From these first results, it is planned to develop an oral cancer risk score to identify high-risk individuals for screening.
