By Dr. Hitesh R. Singhavi
Consultant Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon
When we think of oral cancer in India, the first thought that comes to mind is tobacco — and rightly so. India has one of the highest numbers of oral cavity cancers in the world, with over 1.5 lakh new cases diagnosed every year. Most of these cases are directly linked to smokeless tobacco use — gutkha, khaini, pan masala, and betel quid.
But here’s a growing concern that many of us in the medical field are starting to notice — patients getting oral cancer without ever using tobacco or alcohol. They ask a heart-breaking question: “Doctor, I never touched tobacco or alcohol. Why did I still get cancer?” This question deserves a serious answer.
Could Sugar Be a Hidden Culprit?
Emerging research from the U.S. has now thrown light on a surprising and lesser-known possible cause: high sugar intake.
A large, long-term study led by Dr. Luis Gomez-Castillo followed over 1.6 lakh women for 30 years and looked at their consumption of sugary drinks — like colas, sodas, and sweetened juices. The results were shocking:
✅ Women who drank sugary beverages daily had nearly 5 times higher risk of developing oral cancer compared to those who drank them rarely.
✅ Even among non-tobacco users, the risk was even higher.
This means that even if you never smoked or chewed tobacco, your sweet tooth could still be putting you at risk.
How Can Sugar Cause Cancer?
Here’s a simple explanation:
- Sugar spikes blood glucose, leading to high insulin levels. Insulin and related hormones can promote cancer cell growth.
- Sugar causes chronic inflammation — and inflammation is a known driver of many cancers.
- High sugar may disrupt the natural bacteria in your mouth, weakening your mouth’s defense system.
- Conditions like diabetes, which are linked to sugar, are also known to increase cancer risk. In fact, anti-diabetic medicines like Metformin are being studied for cancer prevention.
Why This Matters for India
Traditionally, we’ve blamed tobacco for oral cancer — and rightly so. But as urban lifestyles evolve, we are seeing more people consuming processed foods, sugary drinks, cakes, sweets, energy drinks, etc. on a regular basis.
At the same time, awareness and control over tobacco use is increasing in some regions. So, we must ask:
Is the rise in sugar consumption quietly fuelling a new wave of oral cancers — especially among non-tobacco users?
What Can We Do?
As a cancer surgeon, my job is not just to treat cancer — but to prevent it. Here’s what I suggest:
✅ Cut down on sugary drinks and snacks, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle.
✅ Include more fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet.
✅ Visit a dentist or oral cancer specialist if you notice any persistent mouth ulcer or white/red patch.
✅ If you’re a non-tobacco user, don’t assume you’re “safe” — get regular oral check-ups.
The Bottom Line
High sugar intake may be a silent, under-recognized cause of oral cancer — especially in people who don’t smoke or chew tobacco. More research is needed, especially in Indian populations. But we don’t need to wait for more data to make healthier choices today.
Let’s not replace one bad habit (tobacco) with another (excess sugar). Prevention begins in the kitchen as much as it does in the clinic.
Reference:
- Singhavi HR. Beyond Tobacco: High sugar intake as a potential risk factor for oral cavity cancers amongst non-tobacco users? Indian J Cancer. 2025 Jan 1;62(1):1-2. doi: 10.4103/ijc.ijc_4_25. Epub 2025 May 16. PMID: 40377598.