The biggest risk factors for head and neck cancers are tobacco (both cigarettes and chewing tobacco) and alcohol, especially when used together. 85 percent of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco. Other risk factors include exposure to industrial toxins (e.g., wood dust, paint fumes), dietary factors, human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asbestos exposure and radiation.