Oral Cancer: Link to Sugary Drinks Discovered

New research links frequent consumption of sugary drinks to an increased risk of developing oral cancer. The study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, followed over 160,000 women for 30 years.

The results showed that daily consumption of one or more sugary drinks increases the risk by 4.87 times, even in women who do not smoke or consume alcohol.

Scientists hypothesize that the high fructose content in the drinks may cause gingivitis and chronic inflammation, leading to carcinogenesis. Symptoms of oral cancer include non-healing ulcers, white or red patches, and difficulty swallowing.

The World Health Organization recommends that free sugar consumption should not exceed 30 grams per day. One soft drink can contain over 35 grams of sugar.