Dandruff and oral bacteria linked to increased cancer risk

 

New research:

Dandruff and oral bacteria linked to increased cancer risk

A recent study has raised concerns about the potential link between dandruff and breast cancer, as well as the connection between oral bacteria and colon cancer. The findings suggest that these seemingly minor health issues could have serious implications for overall health.

New study: Dandruff fungus linked to increased breast cancer risk

A recent Chinese study has found a potential connection between a common dandruff-causing skin fungus, Malassezia globosa, and an increased risk of breast cancer. Scientists discovered that this yeast-like fungus could infiltrate fat-rich breast tissue, potentially contributing to tumor development. However, the exact mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear.

New study suggests dandruff fungus could damage cells and weaken immune response

Researchers theorize that the dandruff fungus Malassezia globosa might contribute to breast cancer by producing harmful byproducts that damage cells or weaken the body's natural defenses against cancerous tissue. To test this hypothesis, scientists injected the fungus into breast tumors in mice and observed the results.

Chinese researchers have discovered that Malassezia globosa, a type of yeast-like fungus commonly associated with dandruff, could potentially infiltrate fat-rich breast tissue and increase the risk of breast cancer development.

Researchers found that breast tumors colonized with the dandruff fungus Malassezia globosa grew at a faster rate than those without the fungus, although the exact extent of the growth difference was not specified.

Professor Qi-Ming Wang, a life sciences expert at Hebei University and the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings for human health. "Taking care of your skin is crucial not only for beauty but also for overall health," he stated.

Wang also noted that this is not the first time a microscopic organism has been linked to cancer. He highlighted the growing interest in the relationship between microbes and cancer, despite the ongoing debate.

"The imbalance of the microflora within a tumor can disrupt the tumor microenvironment," Wang explained.

New study raises concerns about dandruff fungus and breast cancer risk

While Malassezia globosa is known to cause dandruff and skin irritation, Professor Wang noted that it remains unclear how this fungus can infiltrate breast tissue and contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.

One of these is Fusobacterium nucleatum, a bacteria that lives in dental plaque, which could explain why some colon tumours are so hard to treat.

American researchers found that a specific subtype of the bacteria was present in tumour tissue in about 50 per cent of the cancer cases.

They also found this microbe in higher numbers within stool samples of colorectal cancer patients compared with stool samples from healthy people. 

Another bacteria called Streptococcus anginosus, has also been linked to stomach cancers. 

Chinese and Singaporean scientists showed that the bacteria, normally found in the throat, mouth, and vagina, can encourage the growth of stomach cancers.

 

New studies suggest oral bacteria can exploit weakened immune systems and contribute to cancer growth

In experiments similar to the recent study on dandruff and breast cancer, researchers found that when mice had weakened immune systems, Streptococcus anginosus bacteria could colonize new areas of the body, such as the stomach. This colonization triggered an inflammatory response that could potentially lead to cancer growth.

Another well-known example is Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and increase the risk of gastric cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is perhaps the most widely recognized microscopic organism linked to cancer. While most HPV infections are asymptomatic, certain types can significantly increase the risk of cancers such as vulval and cervical cancers. To combat this, the UK now offers HPV vaccines to secondary school students.