recent research It turns out that Gen X And Millennial Americans have a higher risk of developing many different cancers than older generations, but does the key to prevention lie in our morning routines?
An encouraging new study shows that daily oral maintenance, that is, regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, can significantly reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancer.
HNC, which includes cancers of the oral and nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, and thyroid, accounts for approximately 3% of cancer diagnoses and more than 1.5% of cancer deaths in the US.
Research has previously established that bacteria associated with gum disease increase Diabetes and heart disease riskGum disease, also known as periodontitis, develops when plaque – a sticky substance containing bacteria – accumulates on the teeth.
Dr. Todd Ross, a dentist and adjunct clinical assistant professor at NYU College of Dentistry, previously reported Post“The mouth gives you a wealth of information about a person's health.”
However, until recently, experts were unsure which specific oral bacteria might be associated with HNC.
Researchers have now identified They believe that more than a dozen species of bacteria may increase the risk of the most common HNC, squamous cell carcinoma, by a staggering 50%.
Soyoung Kwak, lead author of the study and postdoctoral fellow in population health at NYU, said: “Our findings provide new insights into the relationship between the oral microbiome and head and neck cancer.”
Kwok and his team analyzed the diet, lifestyle and medical histories of nearly 160,000 Americans.
Saliva samples provided by participants were tested for pathogens and preserved. Over a 15-year period, 236 of those participants were diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers compared the oral microbes of people who were diagnosed with those of 458 participants who remained cancer-free. The team found that 13 species of bacteria regularly found in the mouth increased cancer risk.
This group was associated with a 30% higher chance of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In combination with five other species often seen in gum disease, the overall risk was increased by 50%.
The researchers note that their findings establish a correlation rather than a direct link between the bacteria and cancer.
The researchers say, “Now that we have identified the key bacteria that may contribute to this disease, we plan to explore the mechanisms that allow them to do so and how we can can intervene as best they can.”
In terms of intervention, preventive brushing and flossing are the best defense against this problematic bacteria.
Professor Richard Hayes, co-author and expert in population health at New York University (NYU), said: “Our results provide another reason to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing your teeth can help prevent not only periodontal disease, but also head and neck cancer.
The American Cancer Society recently announced That 40% of cancer cases and nearly half of cancer deaths among American adults aged 30 and older could be prevented with lifestyle changes.
Usually diagnosed in older adults, mouth cancer He is among the rising people among the young generation.
Experts believe that human papillomavirus (HPV), can be spread through sexual and skin contact. behind the increase. One of these causes is oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OP-SCC), an oral cancer that affects the oropharynx (an area of the throat) and tonsils.
Researchers believe that HPV affecting this area is typically spread through oral sex practices but can also be acquired through kissing and sharing food. Of all the variations of HPV, type 16 has been labeled as the highest risk, contributing to an average of 90% of OP-SCC cancer cases, affecting both men and women.
The news about the connection between the oral biome and cancer risk comes on the heels of recent research that suggests marijuana users are between 3.5 and 5 times as likely. The chances of developing HNC are higher in people who go potty compared to people who go potty.
The veto on evils continues, with Studies show that alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of cancer.
proper oral hygiene, Meanwhile, it has also been linked to a lower risk of dementia.
