Drinking just one can of sugar-laden soda pop per day could increase the risk of developing mouth cancer five-fold, a shocking study has found.
American scientists examining data from over 160,000 women found those who frequently consumed ‘sugar-sweetened’ beverages were at far greater risk of developing the disease than those who drank less than one per month.
They said the result could partly account for an unexplained rise in mouth cancers, especially among women, recorded in recent years—although more research was needed before drawing firm conclusions.
The authors of the report also said the results should act as a further incentive to policymakers to curb the intake of sugar in modern diets.
The exact brands of the sodas, as well as the lemonades and iced teas, women drank over the course of the study were not named in the analysis.
Scientists weren’t able to measure the sugar content of the drinks women consumed directly, instead relying on them reporting how many of the beverages they consumed per month in surveys held every four years.
They then compared this intake with any diagnoses of mouth cancer, recording 124 cases over the 30 year study period.
Analysis revealed that women who reported consuming one or more sugary beverages per day were 4.87 times more likely to have developed mouth cancer, compared to those who drank less than one per month.
Drinking just one sugar sweetened beverage, like a classic non-diet soft, per day could increase the chance of developing mouth cancer five-fold, a study suggests. Stock image
This increased risk remained even in women who didn’t smoke or drink alcohol regularly, both of which are known to increase the chances of mouth cancer.
In total, about 20,000 women in the study reported drinking more than one sugary beverages per day.
Intake of diet drinks, which contain sugar alternatives like artificial sweeteners, was not considered in the analysis.
The authors were keen to highlight the chance of developing mouth cancer in any person was low in the first place.
They estimated that the increased risk of mouth cancer from sugary drinks would lead to three more cases of the disease per 100,000 people.
The scientists, who published their findings in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, said exactly how the beverages could be triggering mouth cancer remained unclear and an area in need of further research.
However, they suggested factors like high fructose corn syrup, a type of sugar that is commonly added to such drinks in the US but not typically in the UK, and which has links to gum disease, could be one possible explanation.
They added the syrup, alongside others sugars content, could also be disrupting the collection of bacteria in the mouth, potentially triggering inflammation and changes in cells that could become cancerous.
The authors added that over the past few decades there has been an unexplained global rise in mouth cancers among non-smokers, traditionally considered a lower risk group for the disease.
Mouth ulcers that don’t heal, a hoarse voice and unexplained lumps in the mouth are all warning signs of the disease
While there have been some theories that this could be due to a virus called human papillomavirus being spread by oral sex, the authors said the exact cause, in many cases, remained unknown.
The scientists said they now plan to carry out a similar study on a larger group of people to validate their findings.
They added an obvious limitation was that the study was entirely on women, meaning the results may not be applicable to men.
Mouth ulcers — broken areas in the lining of the mouth — that do not heal within three weeks can be a sign of mouth cancer.
Swellings, lumps, red or white patches, as well as loose teeth, a sore throat or trouble swallowing are also tell-tale signs of the cancer.
About 12,500 cases of mouth and throat cancers are diagnosed in the UK each year.
Charity Cancer Research UK estimates 70 per cent of cases of mouth and throat cancers are caused by human papillomavirus.
A report by Oral Health Foundation showed an estimated 3,637 people in the UK lost their life to mouth cancer in 2023 — an increase of 61 per cent compared to a decade prior.
Experts have previously warned problems with access to NHS dentistry, with dental check-ups being one of the key ways early cases of mouth cancer are spotted, could lead to cases only be found in the later harder to treat stages.
NHS guidelines state people should limit their intake of free sugars to just 30g per day.
For context, a 330ml can of classic Coca Cola contains 35g of sugar.
The health service warns that consuming too much sugar can lead to an increased risk of becoming overweight and obese.
Obesity is itself linked to an increased chance of several cancers as well other serious health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
