Oral Health Linked to Higher Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
A recent study from NYU Langone Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center suggests a strong connection between certain bacteria and fungi in the mouth and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer—over three times as high, to be exact.
Published in JAMA Oncology, this research identified 27 species of bacteria and fungi in the oral microbiota that may play a role in the development of this disease. It’s worth noting that pancreatic cancer is notably one of the deadliest forms of cancer. By 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 67,440 new cases in the U.S., with approximately 51,980 resulting in death.
According to Dr. Jiyoung Ahn, a professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, identifying new modifiable risk factors is crucial since current screening tests and treatment options aren’t very effective. The researchers analyzed saliva samples from 122,000 healthy adults participating in two significant cancer studies over nearly nine years.
They compared the oral microbiota of 445 pancreatic cancer patients with that of 445 randomly selected cancer-free individuals, accounting for medical history, smoking habits, race, and age. The findings revealed 24 bacteria and fungi associated with an increased or decreased risk, plus three recognized for links to both gum disease and pancreatic cancer.
Interestingly, these microorganisms correlated with a threefold increase in the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer. “We cannot separate oral diseases from diseases that occur elsewhere in the body,” Dr. Ahn remarked. He also pointed out that individuals with higher microbial risk scores have a staggering 3.5-fold increased risk.
While previous research established a link between poor oral hygiene and pancreatic cancer, the specific species involved had remained unclear until now. Dr. Ahn emphasized that oral microbiome profiling can serve as a non-invasive way to identify individuals at high risk who may need closer monitoring, especially given the absence of effective early detection methods for pancreatic cancer.
The results highlight the significance of good oral hygiene—brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits—as a modifiable factor in preventing pancreatic cancer. Dr. Ahn noted that these findings align with broader public health messages emphasizing that oral health significantly impacts overall health.
However, it’s essential to mention that this study only shows correlation, not causation. Florencia McAllister, an associate professor at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, points out that more research is necessary to understand the role microorganisms might play in cancer development versus other factors like genetics.
Dr. Purnima Kumar, from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, echoed the importance of maintaining oral health. She highlighted that lifestyle choices, such as alcohol and tobacco use, have repercussions not only for oral health but overall well-being as well.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to delve deeper into how viruses in the mouth may contribute to cancer and the potential effects of microbiota on survival outcomes.
