Bacteria linked to gum disease may increase the risk of developing head and neck cancers, according to a new study.
Researchers found that more than a dozen bacterial species are associated with a 50% heightened risk of these cancers.
Dr. Richard Hayes, co-senior author and a professor at NYU School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. “Brushing your teeth and flossing may not only help prevent periodontal disease but also protect against head and neck cancer,” he stated.
The study highlights that certain bacteria can lead to severe gum infections, which may damage the jawbone and surrounding soft tissues. To conduct the research, scientists analyzed data from three ongoing studies involving nearly 160,000 Americans, all aimed at identifying potential cancer risk factors.
Participants provided saliva samples that revealed the types and quantities of bacteria present in their mouths. The researchers monitored these individuals for 10 to 15 years to track any cancer developments. During this period, 236 participants were diagnosed with head and neck cancer.
The research team compared the oral microbiomes of these cancer patients with those of 458 individuals who did not develop cancer.
They identified 13 bacterial species that were either associated with an increased or decreased risk of head and neck cancer, leading to an overall increased risk of 30%. When combined with five additional bacterial species commonly found in gum disease, the total risk rose to 50%.
The findings were published on September 26 in the journal JAMA Oncology. Lead researcher Soyoung Kwak, a postdoctoral fellow at NYU’s Department of Population Health, noted that these bacteria could serve as biomarkers to identify individuals at high risk for these cancers.
Interestingly, the study found no connection between naturally occurring fungi in the mouth and an increased cancer risk.
The researchers’ work adds significant insight into how the oral microbiome may influence the development of head and neck cancers.
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