Geographical Correlation between Refined Sugar Consumption and Oral Cancer Incidence: A Global Ecological Study

Abstract

Background: Refined sugar consumption is a known risk factor for metabolic disorders and has been linked to some cancers. However, its potential role in oral cancer remains poorly understood. Oral cancer significantly contributes to global cancer-related mortality and is driven by dietary, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. This ecological study investigates the global correlation between refined sugar intake and oral cancer incidence, accounting for major confounders. Materials and Methods: We analyzed publicly available data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank databases. The primary variables included oral cancer incidence per 100,000 population and sugar consumption. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression models to assess associations and adjust for confounding factors. Results: The study analyzed data from multiple countries, revealing substantial regional variation in oral cancer incidence and refined sugar consumption. Correlation analysis showed a weak negative association between refined sugar consumption and oral cancer incidence (r = -0.05, P > 0.05). Also, Multiple linear regression confirmed refined sugar consumption was not associated with oral cancer (β = -0.0028, P = 0.606). Conclusion: This study did not identify a significant association between sugar consumption and oral cancer incidence at the population level. However, the absence of a detectable relationship in this ecological analysis does not preclude more complex mechanisms or indirect associations. For example, sugar's role in promoting metabolic disorders, which might interact with other risk factors like inflammation or oxidative stress, warrants further study. Public health efforts should prioritize tobacco and alcohol reduction, given their robust and well-documented links to oral cancer, while future research explores the broader health impacts of dietary sugars.