Risk Factors
Some people are at higher risk for developing oral mucositis (OM) than others.
Several factors determine the likelihood of developing OM:1
- The patient: Patients with cancer under age 20 or over age 50
are more likely to develop OM.2 Patients
with kidney problems, diabetes or HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) also
are at an increased risk of OM. In addition, those with oral problems or
poor oral care habits, patients who use tobacco, and those who use alcohol
also are at an increased risk.3
- The type of cancer: Patients with cancer of the blood or blood forming tissues (hematologic cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma) are more likely to develop OM.3
- The type of therapy: Patients receiving radiation therapy of the
head or neck are at an increased risk of developing OM.3 There
also are a variety of chemotherapy drugs that increase your risk of developing
OM.1 You should ask your health care
providers about the drugs that you will receive and their likelihood of causing
OM.
- Treatment frequency and dosage: Higher doses of therapy or more
frequent treatment schedules also contribute to the development of OM.3
If any of these OM risk factors apply to you, don’t get discouraged.
Share your OM concerns with your health care team and work together to develop
OM protective measures and OM management techniques.
References
- Avritscher EB, Cooksley CD, Elting LS. Scope and epidemiology of cancer
therapy-induced oral and gastrointestinal mucositis. Semin Oncol Nurs 2004;
20:3-10.
- Brown CG, Wingard J. Clinical consequences of oral mucositis. Semin
Oncol Nurs 2004; 20(1):16-21.
- Eilers J. When The Mouth Tells Us More Than It Says-The Impact of
Mucositis on Quality of Life. Oncology Supportive Care Quarterly 2004;
1:31-43.
