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 salivary gland cancer:
Age
Salivary gland cancer is more common in older patients. Two-thirds of all cases are found in people age 55 and older.
Gender
Men are at higher risk for salivary gland cancer than women.
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Radiation Exposure
Radiation exposure increases the risk of salivary gland cancer. Those who have been exposed to ionizing radiation from an atomic bomb blast, radiation therapy to the neck region, or radiation in the workplace may be at an increased risk.
Occupational Exposure
Workers in certain industries such as rubber manufacturing, asbestos mining, and plumbing, and workers who work with certain alloys and minerals may be at an increased risk for salivary gland cancer.
