Hepatitis C infections ‘linked to higher risk of mouth cancer’

People affected by the hepatitis C virus are potentially at greater risk of developing oral cancer, new research has shown.

Published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the study indicated that people with hepatitis C were more than twice as likely to develop cancers of the mouth cavity or oropharynx.

As well as an increased risk of mouth cancer, hepatitis C infections have been linked with other oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, due to a reduction in saliva production.

Moreover, patients who tested positive for hepatitis were also more likely to be infected by the human papillomavirus, which is predicted to overtake smoking as the leading cause of mouth cancer within the next decade.

Responding to these findings, the Oral Health Foundation has urged those with hepatitis C to take note of any suspicious changes in their mouth and to visit their doctor or dentist as soon as possible if they find anything unusual.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive officer of the Oral Health Foundation, said: "The more we learn about the relationship of other diseases to mouth cancer, the more chance we can catch cases early and save lives."