Helen, I have accepted that the fact that I used to smoke a bit and have over the years consumed vats of wine was a major contributing factor to my developing oral cancer. I think I am to blame. I know people who have smoked a great deal longer and more, and who have consumed alcohol to excess who do not have oral cancer. Perhaps I drew the short straw, but I put myself in position to draw that straw. Had I never smoked even that little bit, or consumed alcoholic beverages, it is a good bet I would not be on this forum. Just my way of looking at it.