Mouth and Throat Cancer Fact sheet

02 May 2006
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Research suggests that chemicals in tobacco damage the DNA of cells, interfering with the cells’ instructions for repair and growth.

These damaged cells may multiply and develop into a malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) tumour.

Any part of the mouth, nose and throat can be affected by cancer. It may start in the cells that form the lining of the mouth, nose, throat or voice box or in the thyroid or salivary glands.

The mouth and throat are used for breathing, talking, eating, chewing and swallowing. People who smoke expose their mouth to the 4,000 chemicals found in tobacco smoke.

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