Alcohol: Heavy drinkers are two to five times more likely than non-drinkers to develop cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx. Use of both alcohol and tobacco increases the risk even further.

Poor diet: Consuming a diet low in B vitamins and vitamin A could increase the risk of developing these cancers. Foods rich in B vitamins include beef, salmon and tuna. Cantaloupe, tomato, spinach and red peppers are good sources of vitamin A. Vitamin deficiencies are more common among heavy drinkers.

Heartburn: This condition, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus and causes a burning sensation. Stomach acid can damage the esophageal lining. This damage can extend up to the hypopharynx, increasing the risk of cancer.

Human papillomavirus: HPV is a group of several related viruses that can cause genital warts, which can lead to cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva or penis. In rare instances a mother who is infected can spread the virus to her child during delivery. The warts, which appear on the baby's larynx, can lead to a small increased risk of cancer many years later.