Study Highlights Importance of Oral Health in Cancer Survival Rates

Research from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has indicated that oral health plays a vital role in cancer care, particularly in enhancing survival rates. The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia, points to a significant correlation between the presence of certain pathogenic oral bacteria and the incidence of cancer, notably head and neck cancers (HNC).

Doctor Abhishek Shankar and Doctor Vaibhav Sahni, both oncologists at AIIMS, have called for greater public health initiatives to promote oral health, which they believe can significantly impact cancer outcomes and patient survivorship. The oncologists particularly noted that pathogenic bacteria, such as *Porphyromonas gingivalis* and *Prevotella intermedia*, have been linked to higher cancer rates and poorer overall survival chances.

In their commentary, they highlighted the necessity of integrating oral health practices not only at primary healthcare levels but throughout all healthcare systems. "It is abundantly clear that oral healthcare plays a significant role in enhancing health-related outcomes, including those related to cancer survivorship," the researchers stated in their paper.

Their research also underscored findings from multiple international studies which established a link between regular dental visits over the last decade and reduced cancer mortality rates. This evidence represents a compelling argument for public health measures aimed at improving oral health care.

To promote improved oral health practices, the researchers have advocated for initiatives such as school-based tooth brushing programmes and the implementation of point-of-care testing for periodontal disease. Doctor Shankar elaborated, stating, "We emphasise the importance of oral health in cancer care, especially in Southeast Asia, to foster awareness and inform policy-level decisions."

The researchers suggested that educational initiatives should target both teachers and families to increase awareness about oral health. They proposed providing free toothbrushes and toothpaste samples as a means of encouraging positive health behaviours.

Furthermore, public health measures such as nutrition labels indicating sugar content could help consumers make more informed dietary choices. "Prohibiting sugar-laden foods marketed using appealing characters needs to be taken seriously at a policy level," Doctor Sahni stated. He underlined the broader impact of oral health on cancer-related outcomes and stressed the importance of collecting region-specific data.

The study advocates for the necessity of conducting thorough research in Southeast Asia rather than simply transferring findings from Western contexts. Overall, the findings underscore the critical role that oral health plays in the wider scope of healthcare, particularly in relation to chronic diseases like cancer.

This research underlines the importance of collaborative efforts in public health to enhance the links between oral and overall health, aiming not only to reduce cancer mortality rates but also to improve the quality of life for survivors. The integration of oral health into general health practices could lead to a significant shift in cancer care within the region, with implications for policy, education, and public health strategies.