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A new study published in JAMA Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery has revealed a significant association between daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and an increased risk of oral cavity cancer (OCC) in women.
Researchers analyzed data from 162,602 women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study and Nurses’ Health Study II over three decades. The study found that women who consumed at least one SSB daily had nearly five times the risk of developing OCC compared to those who consumed less than one SSB per month.
Specifically, the study reported a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.87 (95% CI, 2.47-9.60) for OCC in women who consumed one or more SSBs daily, compared to those who consumed less than one per month. This risk was even higher among women who were nonsmokers or light smokers and nondrinkers or light drinkers, with an HR of 5.46 (95% CI, 1.75-17.07).
The study also examined the risk of OCC in specific locations within the oral cavity. Women who consumed at least one SSB daily had an HR of 4.53 (95% CI, 1.85-11.11) for oral tongue subsite OCC and an HR of 5.24 (95% CI, 1.84-14.91) for non-tongue subsites, compared to those who consumed less than one SSB per month.
Luis Gomez-Castillo, BA, of the University of Washington School of Medicine, who led the study, noted that while the relative risk increase is substantial, the absolute baseline risk remains low, with approximately three additional OCC cases per 100,000 people.
Researchers emphasized the need for larger cohorts to evaluate the role of dietary patterns in OCC risk, particularly in individuals with and without traditional risk factors like smoking and alcohol consumption.
Study Limitations:
The study authors acknowledged several limitations, including the relatively low number of OCC cases, which may affect the precision of the estimates. The study also exclusively focused on women, limiting its generalizability to men. Furthermore, the study participants were primarily of European descent, highlighting the need for further research in racially and ethnically diverse populations.
Funding:
The study received support from the National Institutes of Health through grants UM1 CA186107, PO1 CA87969, and UM1 CA176726. The authors reported no relevant conflicts of interest.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided study information and should not be taken as medical advice. Readers should consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance. The study’s limitations, particularly regarding the primarily European descent of participants, should be considered when interpreting the results.
