Although cigarette smoking remains the major cause of lung cancer, but those who have never smoked a cigarette in their lives can also develop this disease. Non-smokers make up around 1/4th of those who develop lung cancer. Various studies have been conducted over the period of time to recognize the reasons behind the increasing spread of lung cancer among non-smokers as well. A new research suggests that one mechanism could be specific types of mouth bacteria for developing lung cancer among non-smokers.
According to the paper published in scientific journal, Thorax, it has been found that the chances of developing lung cancer might be linked to type and amount of mouth bacteria. The research has made assessment of two study groups – the Shanghai Women’s Health Study and the Shanghai Men’s Health Study involving over 135000 people who health was monitored between 1996 and 2006. The participants have provided a profile of bacteria in their mouth and information was also gathered about family’s medical history and other factors influencing their health.
In this study, the researchers have found that out of non-smokers, 90 women and 20 men who participated in these large study groups went on to develop lung cancer at some point within span of approximately seven years. The team looked at mouth rinse samples from 114 non-smokers with matching ages who had not developed lung cancer. Wide ranges of bacterial species were associated with lower risk of developing lung cancer. Also, a larger volume of particular type of species was associated with lung cancer risk.
The team wrote, “While our study provides evidence that variation in the oral microbiome plays a role in lung cancer risk, the interpretation of our study must be done while considering the caveat that our findings are from a single time point in a single geographical location.” A lot more research is required to be done to come at some conclusive results.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only.