A new study has revealed that drinking just one sugar-laden fizzy drink a day could increase the risk of developing mouth cancer by nearly five times.
The study which was conducted by American researchers and published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery analysed data from over 160,000 women.
The study found a strong association between sugary drink consumption and oral cancer risk.
Key findings
The study tracked participants over 30 years and found that women who consumed one or more sugary beverages daily were 4.87 times more likely to develop mouth cancer compared to those who drank less than one per month.
Notably, this increased risk was present even in women who did not smoke or drink alcohol regularly, two known risk factors for oral cancer.
The study collected data through participant surveys every four years, where individuals reported their consumption of sodas, lemonades and iced teas.
- Hybrid closed-loop systems associated with improved blood sugar levels
- Sugary drinks may raise type 2 diabetes risk by changing gut bacteria
- Blood sugar levels spike more from pasta and pizza in America than in Italy
Researchers recorded 124 cases of mouth cancer over the study period and observed a clear correlation between frequent sugary drink intake and increased cancer incidence.
Why are sugary drinks a risk factor?
While the precise mechanism linking sugary drinks to mouth cancer is not yet fully understood, scientists have proposed several possible explanations:
- Sugary drinks, particularly those with high-fructose corn syrup available in the USA, can contribute to gum disease and chronic inflammation which may increase the risk of cellular changes leading to cancer.
- Excess sugar can alter the balance of bacteria in the mouth potentially creating an environment conducive to cancer development.
- Continuous exposure to high sugar levels could lead to chronic inflammation and DNA mutations increasing the likelihood of cancerous growths.
What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?
With mouth cancer rates rising globally, it is crucial to recognise early warning signs. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent mouth ulcers that do not heal within three weeks
- A hoarse voice or chronic sore throat
- Unexplained lumps or swellings in the mouth
- Loose teeth with no apparent cause
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Beyond mouth cancer, high sugar consumption is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
The NHS recommends limiting daily intake of free sugars to 30g, yet a single can of soda can contain 35g or more, exceeding this limit in just one drink.
Obesity itself is a known risk factor for multiple cancers including breast, liver and colorectal cancer.
Cutting down on sugary drinks can be a crucial step toward reducing overall cancer risk and improving metabolic health.
