🦷 Mondays with Mark: Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

The headlines lately have been full of the news that people are getting colorectal cancer at younger and younger ages. That’s terrifying.

Today, I’m delving into a topic that’s been making waves in the research community lately: the connection between Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) and Colorectal Cancer (CRC). In other words, how does your oral microbiome impact your risk of colorectal cancer?

For nearly a decade, scientists have been aware of Fn’s presence in CRC tumors and its association with poorer patient outcomes. However, recent research has shed light on the complexity of this relationship, revealing that not all strains of Fn are created equal.

Fn is a prevalent species in the oral microbiome, inhabiting the mouths of nearly everyone. Despite its prevalence, Fn has a dual nature – it’s a normal inhabitant of healthy mouths but is also linked to gum disease and other systemic health conditions. How can one bacterium have such seemingly contradictory roles? The answer lies in genetics – Fn exhibits five unique subtypes or strains, each with its own impact on health.

New research, led by Zepeda-Rivera et al from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, has identified a specific subtype of Fn, known as Fn animalis, which may play a key role in CRC. This subtype, particularly a variant labeled as FnaC2, appears to be enriched in CRC tumors and may contribute to tumor progression.

To validate their findings, the researchers conducted a series of experiments, including genetic analysis of Fn samples, animal studies, and analysis of human tissue samples. Their results consistently pointed towards the significance of Fn animalis C2 in CRC.

So, what does this mean for you?

While this research offers promising insights into CRC management, it’s essential to approach the findings with caution. Not all strains of Fn are associated with CRC, and some may even be crucial for maintaining a healthy oral microbiome. Jumping to conclusions and attempting to eliminate Fn entirely from your mouth may not be the best course of action.
Instead, focus on promoting overall oral and gut health. Practicing proper oral hygiene, including flossing, maintaining a healthy diet, and considering oral probiotics, can help keep your oral microbiome balanced and reduce the risk of inflammation that could contribute to gum disease and bleeding gums. And, of course, you know what I’m going to say next—get your oral microbiome tested!

Now, for the latest from the Ask the Dentist podcast…

🎧 In Episode #116, we’re talking about water purity. This is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered what type of filtration you should be using in your home, and for your family. We discuss microplastics in the water, fluoride of course, and we debunk the myth that “distilled water is too pure.” Tune in, let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of Mondays with Mark. Would you do me a favor? Leave a review for the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Every new review is read by me and it makes my day to hear how the Ask the Dentist podcast has helped you.

P.S. As a daily tea drinker, the purity and safety of the tea I drink have always been a concern. This is one of the reasons I’m a fan of Pique Tea, which is triple toxin screened for purity and bioactivity, so I know what I’m drinking is not only clean, it’s also maximizing the benefits for my oral health. Get up to 15% off + free rechargeable frother and cup here.