Oral health link to colon cancer: Potential battle against intestinal disorder could commence in tooth care
In the not-so-distant past, a buddy of mine shared some grim news – her spouse, just a few years older than my husband and me, had been diagnosed with colon cancer. While the diagnosis came as a slap in the face, it should've been a wake-up call. I encounter data about this rise in young-adult colorectal cancer cases in my line of work all the time.
Recently, scientists from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have discovered that the microscopic villain notoriously associated with dental health issues might be playing a much larger, more sinister role – fueling colon cancer growth. The culprit? Fusobacterium nucleatum.
This bacterium has made a name for itself as a mischief-maker in the oral cavity. But its bad-boy behavior doesn't stop there. It has been found to infect tumors and make chemotherapy less effective, causing chemoresistance.
But the story gets darker.
Researchers have now pinpointed a subtype of this insidious bacteria – the tumor-infiltrating Fna C2 type. This subtype has acquired special genetic traits that allow it to travel from the mouth, through the stomach, withstanding the harsh stomach acid, and landing safely in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
This microscopic marauder has made itself one of the most dangerous colon cancer risks out there.
Dr. Susan Bullman, a cancer microbiome researcher at Fred Hutch, explained, "We've consistently seen that patients with colorectal tumors containing Fusobacterium nucleatum have poor survival and poorer prognosis compared with patients without the microbe. Now we're finding that a specific subtype of this microbe is responsible for tumor growth."
In this study, researchers found:
- The Fna C2 subtype is enriched significantly in colorectal tumor tissue
- The subtype causes abnormal cells in colorectal tissue to grow exponentially
- The Fna C2 lineage is found in approximately half of all colorectal cancer cases.
This damning discovery highlights the need for effective preventive measures and treatment methods targeting this particular bacterial strain.
But where does oral hygiene come into play? Well, Fusobacterium nucleatum is common in dental plaque. That means your biggest defense against this disease could be a solid oral health routine and regular visits to the dentist for a professional plaque removal.
In addition to meticulous oral hygiene, there are some lesser-known practices that could help:
- Swish your mouth with red wine – Researchers from Spain have found that two polyphenols in red wine, known as caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid, can prevent Fusobacterium nucleatum from attaching to your gum tissue, thus reducing its ability to travel to the gut.
- Experiment with DIM – Diindolylmethane (DIM) has been shown to reduce the biofilms that produce plaque and cavities by an impressive 90 percent, effectively preventing bacteria from growing.
- Chew Greek gum – The gum made from mastic resin has been found to lower plaque levels, reduce inflammation in the gums, and decrease the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth.
- Utilize probiotics – Probiotics, which come in chewable form tailored for oral health, boost the levels of good bacteria in your body, offering an additional layer of protection against Fusobacterium nucleatum and other harmful bacteria.
Remember, maintaining good gums and teeth isn't just about preventing cavities or bad breath – it could be the key to preserving your overall health as well!
[1] Cancer Res. 2012 Jul 1;72(13):3435-44[2] Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015 Mar 31;112(13):4087-92[3] Nat Rev Cancer. 2015 Oct;15(10):647-65[4] PNAS. 2012 Feb 28;109(9):3581-6[5] Oncotarget. 2017 Mar 17;8(17):30854-30880
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