Considering that the family participates in the initiation of social behaviors of the individuals, the present study had the purpose to investigate its participation in the adoption of habits considered as risk factors of cancer. The socio-demographic profile of the studied population (32 women suffering from oral cancer) was representative of social poverty. Amongst the risk factors associated to the illness were: tobacco, alcohol, and the use of dental prostheses. It was concluded that the family, through processes of social learning and identification, plaid and important role on the adoption of the risk attitudes.
oral cancer; risk factors; family relations