Poor oral health and the bacteria present there can significantly increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer, according to a new study by American scientists.
It's about squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SKKGS). This is a fairly common disease, which is diagnosed in more than 150,000 patients every year in Europe. Carcinoma mainly affects men and leads to death in more than half of patients within five years of the onset of the disease.
A new study conducted by scientists at New York University and published in the journal JAMA Oncology, found that at least thirteen of the hundreds of bacteria present in the mouth were associated with a one-third increase in the likelihood of developing head and neck cancer. Soyoon Kwak of New York University School of Medicine notes:
“These bacteria could serve as biomarkers for specialists who want to identify people at high risk of developing HNSCC.”
The study included 236 people with KSCH and 458 healthy people. It turned out that patients with cancer were more likely to smoke and drink alcohol, and also had higher rates of a particularly dangerous strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a risk factor. Despite their generally disadvantaged background, scientists were able to identify 13 bacteria that carry additional danger.
The study only looked at the correlation between bacteria and cancer, without attempting to determine whether bacteria definitely caused the disease. Dr Claire Knight from Cancer Research UK, who was not involved in the study, noted in an interview with Euronews Health:
“The results are based on just over 200 patients and we need further research in larger populations to understand the link between oral hygiene and head and neck cancer.”
According to scientists, even the first results seem convincing enough to serve as a reminder the need for oral hygiene. In a statement, study co-author Richard Hayes, a professor at New York University School of Medicine, said:
“Brushing and flossing your teeth can not only help prevent periodontal disease, but also protect against head and neck cancer.”
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