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Medical Oddities: Chew on This Cancer Prevention Idea

From gum to gut to memory—medicine gets weirdly clever fast 

  • By

  • Teraya Smith

  • April 23, 2026

  • 6 min

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  • 1

    An ex vivo study found that antibacterial chewing gum significantly reduced carcinogenic microbes linked to head and neck cancer.

  • 2

    Oral HPV was detected in 100% of saliva samples from patients, with harmful bacteria present at significantly higher levels than controls.

  • 3

    A bean-derived lectin in the gum aggregated a high percentage of HPV, suggesting a targeted antimicrobial effect against harmful microbes.

  • 4

    A study on young lung cancer patients revealed unexpected dietary habits, with many consuming more fruits and vegetables than average.

  • 5

    Transient global amnesia (TGA) can occur suddenly, often resolving within 24 hours, with triggers including stress and physical exertion.

Original Source(s)

Medical Oddities: Chew on This Cancer Prevention Idea

  • by Teraya Smith

  • April 23, 2026

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