Bacteria in the oral cavity may be associated with a risk of developing bowel cancer. This conclusion was reached by scientists from the University of Simon Fraser University in Canada (Simon Fraser University) and the Institute of Cancer Research Dana-Farber (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) in Boston.

According to experts, the main risk factors for bowel cancer are heredity and advanced age. However, after analyzing the tissue composition of malignant tumors in the large intestine, they concluded that spindle-shaped bacteria (Fusobacterium), which are rare in the intestinal microflora, can also stimulate the appearance and growth of a tumor.

It is not yet known exactly whether these pathogens can cause bowel cancer. Experts do not rule out that this is an accidental discovery. However, they note that previously spindle-shaped bacteria contributed to the development of ulcerative colitis, which in itself is a risk factor for colon cancer.

The authors of the published in the journal Genome Research note: if it turns out that Fusobacterium is indeed the causative agent of inflammation preceding the formation of cancers, it will be possible to resort to antibiotics for the prevention of bowel cancer and to develop new means for its treatment.

"It's too early to say that spindle-shaped bacteria can cause bowel cancer, more research is needed. In any case, smoking cessation, limited consumption of alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, physical activity, moderate consumption of red and processed meat, increased amounts of fiber in the diet will help reduce the risk of developing the disease, "says Sarah Williams of the British Cancer Research UK ).

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