A team of young researchers from the College of Dental Medicine at Qatar University (QU) has won first place in the Fifth Youth Research Forum 2023 for their groundbreaking research on the association between oral health and the risk of gastric cancer.
The research project, conducted by Ayah Osama Saleh El-Zaini, Rana Adil Hakim Khalid, Reem Ahmed Elsafty, Shahad Raed Hamed al-Biltaji, Iman Mahamade Ali, Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Sadig, Omar Mohamed Elsayed Mahmoud Saleh, and Ayaha Elsakka, under the guidance of supervisors Dr Sadeq Ali al-Maweri and Dr Tayeb al-Hadeethia, provides valuable insights into the potential link between poor oral health, such as periodontitis and tooth loss, and the risk of developing gastric cancer.
Gastric cancer, commonly known as stomach cancer, remains one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide. In 2018 alone, it caused an estimated 783,000 deaths, ranking as the third most deadly cancer globally. While smoking, alcohol consumption, an inadequate diet, and certain bacterial infections have long been associated with gastric cancer, recent evidence suggests that periodontitis and tooth loss may also contribute to the risk. Periodontitis affects individuals of all ages, profoundly affecting their quality of life, eating habits, diet, and overall nutritional intake.
The team at QU's College of Dental Medicine conducted a systematic review of the available evidence regarding the potential association between oral health and the risk of gastric cancer. Their research involved an extensive literature search of relevant studies published until June 2022, employing comprehensive keywords to identify eligible cohort studies assessing the relationship between oral health and gastric cancer in humans. The methodological quality of each included study was carefully evaluated using the renowned Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
Out of the 295 studies retrieved during their search, the team included 12 high-quality cohort studies in their systematic review. The majority of these studies revealed a significant positive association between periodontitis and tooth loss and an increased risk of gastric cancer. Patients suffering from periodontitis or experiencing tooth loss exhibited a probability of developing gastric cancer that ranged between 13% and 65% higher than individuals with a healthy periodontium and fewer missing teeth.
The findings of the review strongly support the potential association between poor oral health and the risk of gastric cancer. These results highlight the crucial importance of maintaining good oral health practices to reduce the risk of developing distant cancers, including gastric cancer. By emphasising the significance of oral health in overall well-being, this research contributes valuable insights to public health strategies and underscores the need for further investigation and awareness regarding the link between oral health and cancer prevention.
Members of the winning team.
