A lack of oral hygiene could promote certain types of cancer, according to a new study.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bacteria that grow in the mouth could increase the risk of cancers located in the head and neck, according to a recent study.
Squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the squamous cells of the skin, can develop in the head and neck, but also in the mouth, nose and throat; more than 150,000 people are diagnosed each year in Europe.
These cancers affect men more often and kill more than half of patients within five years.
This new study, led by researchers at New York University (NYU) and published in the journal JAMA Oncology, found that 13 of the hundreds of species of bacteria found in people’s mouths were linked to an increased likelihood of 30% to develop a CSHN.
“These bacteria could serve as biomarkers for experts to identify people at high risk”said Soyoung Kwak, a researcher at New York University School of Medicine.
The study was conducted on 236 people with HNSCC and 458 healthy patients.
Cancer patients tended to have higher tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as higher levels of a particularly dangerous strain of oral human papillomavirus (HPV).
However, even taking these elements into account, the 13 bacteria still emerged as risk factors.
Previous bacterial sequencing and smaller studies have suggested there may be a link between oral health and cervical cancer, but the new analysis is the first to identify the problem bacteria .
The study looked at the correlation between bacteria and cancer.
“As the findings are based on just over 200 cancer cases, further research is needed to explore the link between oral hygiene and head and neck cancer Dr Claire Knight, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, who was not involved in the study, told Euronews Health. But the researchers say the link seemed strong enough to serve as a reminder of the importance of good oral hygiene.
“Brushing and flossing your teeth can not only help prevent periodontal disease, but also protect against head and neck cancer”said Dr. Richard Hayes, co-author of the study and professor at New York University School of Medicine, in a statement.
The next step, the researchers say, will be to identify how exactly these bacteria contribute to increasing cancer risks – and how they can be stopped in the process.
“Reducing alcohol consumption and finding support to quit smoking are changes that can be made to limit the chances of developing the disease,” added Ms. Knight.
