Oral Cancer Alert: Pro-Inflammatory Diets Identified as Major Cause

A disturbing revelation has emerged from the University of Ibadan, where Professor Victor Ifeolu Akinmoladun, a renowned expert in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, has pinpointed pro-inflammatory diets as a leading cause of oral cancer. Delivering the 582nd inaugural lecture, titled "The Scalpel and the Laboratory: Collaboration Against the Lawless," Akinmoladun asserted that sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, processed meats, and fried foods are among the culprits behind this devastating disease.

Cancer, Akinmoladun emphasized, is a pressing societal, public health, and socioeconomic issue in the 21st century, responsible for three in ten global premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among individuals aged 30 to 69. The stark reality is that cancer claims almost one in six of all deaths and one in four deaths from NCDs worldwide, with head and neck cancer ranking between 6th to 10th among the most common cancers globally.

Akinmoladun’s lecture shed light on the intricate relationship between inflammation and cancer, likening it to a clandestine agreement between two parties with fatal consequences. He stressed that higher consumption of vegetables and fruits can have a protective effect against various types of cancer, including those affecting the stomach, oesophagus, lung, oral cavity, pharynx, and colon. Micronutrients such as zinc, copper, and selenium, along with antioxidants and vitamins, play a vital role in preventing DNA damage and maintaining the integrity of mucosal surfaces.

The professor also highlighted the importance of lifestyle changes, including the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco use, and recommended supplements rich in antioxidants and single-carbon metabolism vitamins. Notably, he pointed out that many cancers are induced by chronic inflammation, while others are sustained by it, with soluble and cellular inflammatory mediators like cytokines contributing to tumor initiation and progression in some cases.

Akinmoladun’s warnings are particularly relevant in Nigeria, where data on the burden of oral cancer and survival rates are scarce. As the world grapples with the growing threat of cancer, this timely lecture serves as a stark reminder of the need for awareness, prevention, and collaborative efforts to combat this disease. By making informed choices about our diets and lifestyles, we can reduce our risk of developing oral cancer and work towards a healthier, cancer-free future.