Groundbreaking research suggests that a simple mouth rinse could potentially revolutionize the early detection of gastric cancer, offering a noninvasive and accessible screening method.

According to findings presented at a press briefing during Digestive Disease Week 2024, researchers have identified distinct differences in oral microbiome composition among patients with gastric cancer. These differences hint at the potential of using oral microbial signatures as biomarkers for assessing the risk of gastric cancer.

Dr. Shruthi Reddy Perati, a general surgery resident at Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, emphasized the urgency of early detection, noting that many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited. Currently, detecting gastric cancer typically requires invasive procedures like endoscopy, making widespread screening challenging.

The proposed "swish and spit" test, however, could offer a more accessible and noninvasive alternative, potentially facilitating widespread screening efforts. Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, ranks as the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death globally. In the United States alone, the American Cancer Society estimates 26,890 new cases and 10,880 deaths from gastric cancer in 2024.

The potential of this oral microbiome test to detect gastric cancer earlier could significantly impact patient outcomes by enabling timely intervention and treatment. As research in this area continues to evolve, such innovative approaches hold promise for improving cancer detection and ultimately saving lives.