Oral cancer risk could be raised by this common food

Keep your mouth and body healthy by cutting back on this food.

Key Points

• Eating processed meats can increase the risk of oral cancer due to pro-inflammatory properties.
• Symptoms include mouth sores that don’t heal or numbness in various areas of your mouth.
• Smoking, heavy alcohol use and HPV infection remain the biggest risk factors for oral cancer.

Oral cancers make up nearly 3% of all new cancer diagnoses each year. While smoking or chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus (HPV) are three of the biggest drivers of oral cancer, your diet can also affect your risk.

“Certain foods can create an environment in the mouth where cancer can develop over time,” says Kelly F Moyer, M.D., an otolaryngologist and assistant professor of otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “Foods that promote inflammation are the highest risk, and at the top of the list are processed meats—bacon, deli meats, hot dogs and sausage.” 

Experts explain how processed meats can potentially increase your risk for oral cancer, plus tips to reduce your risk. 

Contains Compounds Linked to Cancer Risk

“Processed meats, including bacon, sausage, ham, hot dogs and deli meats, have been associated with an increased risk of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers,” says Alessandro Villa, DDS, Ph.D., M.P.H., the chief of oral medicine, oral oncology and dentistry at Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute in South Florida.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, “meaning there is sufficient evidence linking it to cancer in humans,” Villa says. But processed meats in particular, “often contain nitrates and nitrites, which can form carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds.” Nitrates and nitrites are chemical preservatives that are added to processed meats—like those found on a charcuterie board or on a sub sandwich at lunch—to help cure them and extend their shelf life, explains Tejal Parekh, RDN, LDN, an oncology dietitian. Research also consistently links nitrates and nitrites consumption to various cancers, including breast and prostate.

High-Heat Cooking Can Create Cell-Damaging Chemicals

Consistently putting strips of bacon over a sizzling hot frying pan or bratwursts over a fiery grill can further elevate your risk for several types of cancers. 

“Grilled, smoked and charred meats can also be problematic, as high-heat cooking produces chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) that can cause direct damage to the DNA in your cells,” says Moyer. Research suggests these compounds may promote cancer through several mechanisms, including DNA damage and oxidative stress.

Promotes Chronic Inflammation

Eating ultra-processed meats can contribute to chronic inflammation. “A pro-inflammatory diet leads to a constant state of low-grade inflammation in the mouth, which, over time, reduces the body’s ability to repair damaged cells,” Moyer says.

In addition, heme iron found specifically in processed red meat may also contribute to carcinogenesis, Villa says.

Changes the Oral Microbiome

"Poor diet alters the natural oral bacteria, which is generally protective," Moyer says. Your mouth is home to more than 700 species of bacteria, many of which help maintain oral and overall health. When that microbial community becomes imbalanced—a state known as dysbiosis—it may contribute to inflammation and other changes linked to disease.

Emerging research suggests disruptions in the oral microbiome may play a role in oral cancer development by promoting chronic inflammation and creating an environment that allows abnormal cells to grow. While this research is still new, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other nutrient-dense foods may help support a healthier oral microbiome.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

Oral cancer symptoms often aren’t subtle. Ammar Sukari, M.D., a head and neck medical oncologist at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, recommends seeking medical attention as soon as possible if you notice the following symptoms:

• Mouth sores that do not heal within two to three weeks.
• Discolored patches or unexplained red or speckled patches on the tongue, gums or lining of the mouth.
• Unexplained tooth loss.
• Persistent lump, mass formation or swelling in the lips, cheeks, gums or under the jaw.
• Unexplained pain or numbness in the lips, cheeks or gums.

Tips for Reducing Oral Cancer Risk

While you can’t fully prevent any type of cancer, the experts say there are many things you can do to significantly reduce your risk of oral cancer (and potentially other cancers). In addition to cutting back on processed meats, consider these strategies:

• Avoid tobacco products of all kinds. “This is the most impactful change you can make,” Moyer says. “Smokers face up to ten times the risk of dying from oral cancer compared to non-smokers, and smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes carry similar risks.”
• Cut back on alcohol. If reducing your cancer risk is a priority, cutting back on alcohol is another meaningful step you can take. Research consistently shows that alcohol is linked to several types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth and throat. "Limit alcohol consumption as alcohol irritates the lining of the cells in your mouth," Parekh says. "Alcohol is a known carcinogen."
• Eat more fruits and veggies. “These foods contain plant chemicals and antioxidants, which help protect our bodies from cancer,” Parekh says. Moyer recommends aiming for 5-7 servings of plant-based foods daily, as the aforementioned antioxidants can help repair damaged DNA and suppress tumor growth.
• Practice excellent oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly. “Daily brushing and flossing, combined with regular dental cleanings, reduces inflammation and keeps harmful bacteria in check,” Moyer says. 
• Get the HPV vaccine. “HPV is now one of the leading drivers of throat and oral cancers, particularly in younger adults,” Moyer says. “The vaccine is safe, effective, and recommended through age 26.”

Our Expert Take

Tobacco, alcohol and HPV infection remain the biggest risk factors for oral cancer, but research and oral health experts suggest that high consumption of processed meats may also play a role. While no single food determines your cancer risk, limiting processed meats and alcohol, eating more fruits and vegetables, avoiding tobacco and keeping up with regular dental exams can help support your long-term oral health.

Read the original article on EatingWell