Women who consume sugary drinks every day are at five times higher risk of developing oral cancer compared to those who drink sugary beverages less than once a month. The study, published in the JAMA Otolaryngology journal, was based on the medical records of 163,000 women in the UK. According to the study, the incidence of oral cancer is 4.87 times higher in women who consume sugary drinks frequently compared to those who drink them less than once a month.

Experts at the University of Washington (USA) say that excessive sugar consumption can cause gum disease, which increases the risk of developing tumors in the mouth or throat.

The number of oral cancer cases is on the rise, with nearly 11,000 cases recorded in the UK last year, making this the 10th most common cancer. Tumors can develop on the tongue, lips, cheeks, tonsils, or throat.

Previously, scientists had linked smoking, alcohol consumption, and the HPV virus to the majority of oral cancer cases. The new study found that sugary drinks also increase the risk, regardless of whether the person smokes or drinks alcohol.