How did my dad get oral cancer if he never smoked?

Question

I recently found out my dad has oral cancer, but he never even smoked so how did he get this? He did smoke, didnt do any type of drug, didnt drink. I just dont understand it.

Also I need a really good picture of the oral cancer awareness ribbon if someone could give me that I'd really appreciate it

Answer 1

unfortunately, cancer isnt something thats always caused by smoking, drinking, drugs, exposure to pollution, etc.

i'm a guitar teacher, and as such i get to know a lot of young people and sort of become an older friend / big brother figure to a lot of them. its one of the greatest aspects of my job.

3 weeks ago i was shocked and upset almost to the point of tears when i found out that one of my longest running students (a boy who's 14, but i've known him since he was 10) has thyroid cancer. he's just a kid, and he's been handling it so well it makes me wonder how i'd handle it if it were me. this is a kid who's never had a cigarette, never had a beer, never been exposed to the things that are usually associated with the risk of getting cancer.

he's doing really well though, and it doesnt look like he'll need chemo therapy. all we can do is give our love and support and tell them that they can beat cancer. i wish your dad well, and here's the site for support on this stuff.

http://www.spohnc.org/

also, and just another thing you can do to help out....
theres an organization called "Locks of Love" that makes wigs for kids that go through chemotherapy. every year for the last ten years i'd grow my hair to the middle of my back and cut off about 10 inches (up to my shoulders) to donate. this year, i decided to cut off ALL my hair (its really short now) and i donated 18 inches. i'm sure this hair will go to some little kid (a girl i'd bet) who just wants to have hair like all the other kids. when you grow out your hair, or if you're getting it cut, by all means, do the little bit extra and share it with someone who'd appreciate what we take for granted.

Answer 2

Smoking and drinking alcohol are the main causes of oral cancer, but not the only causes.

Human papilloma virus can also be a cause, and possibly other things we are not yet aware of.

Answer 3

Chewing tobacco also causes oral cancer as does exposure to asbestos (from breathing it in thru the mouth). My dad got mouth cancer from past asbestos exposure. He went thru treatment and recovered. I'm very sorry this happened to your dad. I hope he too will recover.

I've never bought from them, but this site has ribbons. At the least, it shows a picture of one. They're red and white.
http://www.personalizedcause.com/shop/collections/classic/detail/c_redwhite.html

Answer 4

Cancer is a horrid disease and it doesnt pick and choose its "victims". Cancer can happen to any one. as for the ribbon. try google and it will give you an option of visuals. put in the info that you are wanting to see.

Answer 5

Sometimes cancer just happens. We can lower the risk of cancer through lifestyle changes, but not eliminate it.

Answer 6

if he was around 2nd hand smoke it can also cause it. my grandpa smoked when he was about 19 ind the army and he stopped after only one year and when he was 80 he was diagnosed with cancer. so it can happen it is just Gods plan in the end. don't question it.