Researchers from All India Medical Science (AIIMS) have highlighted the importance of oral health in cancer care and improving survival rates. The presence of harmful oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia has been linked to an increased incidence of cancer and negatively impacts overall cancer-specific and disease-free survival. In a commentary published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, oncologists Dr. Abhishek Shankar and Dr. Vaibhav Sahni emphasized the need for enhancing public health initiatives to improve oral health and improve cancer outcomes and survivorship. They advocated for initiatives such as toothbrushing programs and the implementation of oral mouthrinse-based point-of-care testing for early diagnosis of periodontal disease. The paper also recommends raising awareness and providing incentives for teachers and families regarding the importance of oral health.
Researchers from AIIMS discovered oral health is a key factor in cancer care, increase survival rates
