There are many different types of cancer, but they all start because abnormal cells grow out of control. Cancers can metastasize through the blood stream, or lymph system. Half of all men and one-third of all women in the U.S. will develop cancer during their lifetimes.(2) We have known for some time that the inflammatory process and the progression of cancer tumors are connected.(3) Many cancers arise from sites of infection, chronic irritation and inflammation. In fact, as far back as 1863, it was theorized that the basis of cancer was at sites of chronic inflammation, in part based because some classes of irritants, together with the tissue injury and subsequent inflammation they cause, enhance cell proliferation.(4) A new retrospective study evaluated the potential association between chronic periodontitis diagnosed through radiographs and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).(5) Ninety percent of all oral malignancies are OSCC. Survival rate has not changed in the last 50 years, and 50% or more individuals will not survive.(6) We know that chronic periodontitis is a common disease; we see it almost daily. In the study, authors concluded that the monitoring and treatment of chronic oral inflammation may be beneficial in reducing one potential cause of OSCC. They suggested that further clinical studies on oral cancers should include clinical periodontal parameters. As well, the results also found a possible beneficial effect of periodontal therapy that may inhibit the occurrence of OSCC. Due to the high frequency of periodontal diseases worldwide, this finding could be of high clinical relevance. More studies are needed, preferably prospective studies. We also know that some oral cancers are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).(7) Cancers caused by HPV are oropharyngeal cancers, most often found in the back of the throat, most commonly in the base of the tongue and tonsils, in the oropharynx. Is it preventable? As oral cancer caused by HPV is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), practicing safe sex is a preventive measure to stop the spread of the virus. There are also vaccines that prevent cervical and other less common genital cancers. It is possible that HPV vaccines might also prevent oropharyngeal cancers, since the vaccines prevent an initial infection with HPV types that can cause oropharyngeal cancers.(7) Studies have not yet been done to determine if HPV vaccines will prevent oropharyngeal cancers.
The “C” word is a daunting one; it evokes fear in most of us. What causes cancer? The answer to this is not a simple one. However, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), we know that cancer is a complex group of diseases with many possible causes. The known causes of cancer are: genetic factors; lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, diet, and physical activity; certain types of infections; and environmental exposures to different types of chemicals and radiation.(1) This article will explore some of the news around cancer.
