Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get StartedRisk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffIn general, these factors may increase the likelihood that you'll develop salivary gland cancer:
- Tobacco use. Smoking or using chewing tobacco can increase your risk of some types of salivary gland cancer.
- Radiation exposure. Because radiation has the potential to damage DNA, if you've had radiation treatment to your head or neck, or if you're exposed to radioactive materials in your work, you may be more likely to develop some types of cancer, including salivary gland cancer, than may people who haven't been exposed to radiation.
- Family history. If members of your family have had salivary gland cancer, you may be at a higher risk of getting the disease.
- Diet. Eating large amounts of animal fats and low quantities of vegetables may increase the risk of salivary gland cancer.
- Age. Additionally, people older than 60 are more likely to develop salivary gland cancer.