Sugary soda linked to higher oral cavity cancer risk

Scientists have discovered a concerning link between drinking sugary soda and the risk of oral cavity cancer (OCC). This type of cancer can be deadly, and researchers from the University of Washington found that women who consume at least one full-sugar soft drink each day may be about five times more likely to develop this disease compared to those who don't drink sugary sodas. Traditionally, OCC has been seen as a cancer primarily affecting older men who smoke or drink alcohol. However, cases have been rising among women, including those who do not smoke or drink at all. The five-year survival rate for OCC is only 64.3%, meaning that many people do not survive this illness. In a recent study published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, researchers analyzed healthcare data from over 162,000 healthcare workers. They identified 124 cases of OCC and found that people who drink one or more sugary sodas daily face a 4.87 times greater risk of developing OCC compared to those who have less than one soda per month. For non-smokers or light drinkers, the risk was even higher, at 5.46 times greater. Although the study shows an association between sugary drinks and oral cancer, it does not prove that soda consumption causes the disease. Brittany Barber, an assistant professor leading the research, expressed alarm over the increasing rates of OCC among women. In recent years, sugary soft drinks have not been heavily studied as a potential risk factor for OCC, especially as smoking-related cases have decreased due to public health efforts. In 2020, there were 355,000 new cases of OCC around the world, resulting in 177,000 deaths. Researchers suggest that high sugar diets may contribute to chronic inflammation, which is linked to gum disease and, in turn, oral cancer. More research is needed to clarify this relationship. Until then, reducing or eliminating sugary sodas might be a wise choice for those looking to lower their risk of mouth cancer.