A recent study by the University of Washington has revealed a concerning link between the daily consumption of sugary drinks and an increased risk of oral cancer in women. The findings indicate that women who consume one or more sugary beverages each day are nearly five times more likely to develop mouth cancers compared to those who drink less than one a month.
The study, which examined a cohort of 162,602 women over 30 years, reported that 124 participants were diagnosed with mouth cancer during this period. Notably, when heavy smokers were excluded from the analysis, the risk escalated further. Among light smokers and non-smokers, the likelihood of developing oral cancer was still over five times greater for those consuming sugary drinks daily.
The data suggested that excessive sugar intake contributes to an additional three cases of mouth cancer per 100,000 individuals. However, researchers noted that they could not ascertain whether these findings would be applicable to men.
This research highlights the potential health risks associated with sugary drink consumption, particularly among women, prompting a call for increased awareness regarding dietary choices and their implications for long-term health.