High sugar-sweetened beverage intake was associated with an increased incidence of oral cavity cancer in women – regardless of smoking or drinking habits.
The new study is thought to be the first to investigate the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and oral cavity cancer (OCC).
Published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, findings included:
- OCC risk is 4.87 times higher in participants consuming one or more SSBs daily compared with less than one SSB monthly, increasing the rate of OCC by three people per 100,000 population over time
- The risk of OCC in non-smoking or light-smoking and non-drinking or light-drinking participants was 5.46 times higher in those consuming one or more SSB daily compared with less than one SSB monthly, raising the rate of OCC to three more people per 100,000 population.
The researchers said: ‘Although the increase in risk appears substantial when reported as a relative value, especially in nonsmoking or light-smoking and nondrinking or light-drinking patients, the absolute baseline risk is low (three cases more per 100 000 population).’
They concluded: ‘This study found that SSB intake was associated with an increased incidence of OCC in women, regardless of smoking or drinking habits.
‘A stronger association was observed in non-smoking and light-smoking as well as non-drinking and light-drinking participants. The results from this study support both observation and mechanistic findings that suggest a local impact of dietary sugars in OCC, mirroring findings in other gastrointestinal site cancers.’
Oral cancer development
This comes as disruptions to the oral microbiome, including the presence of a common bacteria, have been linked to the development of mouth cancer by a new study.
Fusobacterium nucleatum is a common bacteria often found in the mouth. Published in the International Journal of Oral Science, the study found an association between the presence of this pathogen and the development of oral cancer.
Researchers identified an interaction between the bacteria and host cells in the body that promotes tumour growth and progression. This contributes to the development oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Lead researcher Estefanía Nova-Lamperti said:‘By focusing on specific metabolic pathways, we can work to inhibit cancer progression and improve patient outcomes. This research underscores the need to integrate microbiome factors into cancer biology and treatment strategies.’
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
