Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Here are the biggest risk factors for laryngeal cancer:
Tobacco Use
People who use tobacco products have an increased risk for laryngeal cancer. While smokeless tobacco products can lead to some risk of laryngeal cancer, by far, smoking tobacco is the leading cause of laryngeal cancer.
Alcohol Consumption
Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption puts you at a slightly higher risk for laryngeal cancer. In particular, the combination of alcohol and tobacco increases the risk above either of these habits alone. Alcohol is a much smaller risk factor for laryngeal cancer as compared with tobacco smoke.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that has been associated with the development of head and neck cancer, particularly cancer of the oropharynx. Emerging data is showing a relationship between HPV and laryngeal cancer, however, its overall impact in regards to laryngeal cancer is still largely unknown.
Occupational Exposure
Workers in certain industries such as woodworking, metal workers, and leather workers who are exposed to certain chemicals, dust, or fumes in the workplace may be at an increased risk for laryngeal cancer.
Gender
Men are more likely to develop laryngeal cancer than women.
Age
The risk for laryngeal cancer increases with age. Most patients are over the age of 65 at diagnosis.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Poorly treated acid reflux or GERD may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Some theorize that reflux may also increase the risk for laryngeal cancer, but this link is still being investigated.
