One sugary drink a day may increase women's risk of mouth cancer, study finds

A recent study indicates that daily intake of sugary drinks may increase the risk of oral cancer in women. This study, released by the University of Washington, reveals a concerning correlation.

The study found that women who consumed sugary drinks once or more per day were almost five times more likely to develop oral cancer compared to women who consumed them less than once a month. This finding highlights the potential risks between sugary drink consumption and women's oral health, warranting further investigation.

Even more surprisingly, this association was further strengthened when the study data excluded heavy smokers. Non-smoking or light-smoking women who frequently consumed sugary drinks had a more than fivefold higher chance of developing oral cancer compared to those who rarely consumed them. This suggests that sugary drinks may pose a greater threat to the oral health of non-smoking women, emphasizing the need for targeted preventative measures.

Researchers tracked 162,602 women for up to 30 years, during which time 124 women developed oral cancer. The data showed that excessive consumption of sugary drinks led to an additional three cases of oral cancer per 100,000 people. This long-term study provides strong evidence supporting recommendations to reduce sugary drink intake, reinforcing public health guidelines.

Although this study reveals an association between sugary drinks and the risk of oral cancer in women, researchers state that it is currently impossible to confirm whether these findings also apply to men. Future research is needed to assess the impact of sugary drinks on men's oral health, allowing for more comprehensive preventative strategies.