A new study from New York University School of Medicine reveals that neglecting oral hygiene could significantly increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Researchers found that harmful bacteria in the mouth, resulting from infrequent brushing, can travel through saliva to the pancreas, heightening cancer risk.
The study followed 122,000 participants over eight years, examining three causes of gum disease, 21 types of bacteria, and four types of fungi. Among them, 445 participants developed pancreatic cancer, and their saliva samples were compared to 445 individuals without cancer.
The researchers identified eight oral bacteria associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer and 13 bacterial species linked to a higher risk. Notably, the bacteria P. gingivalis, E. nodatum, and P. micra, along with the fungus Candida, were specifically tied to increased pancreatic cancer incidence.
Published in the journal JAMA, the study emphasizes that oral bacteria and fungi are major risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Researchers suggest that regular brushing may not only prevent gum disease but also serve as a protective measure against this deadly cancer.
These findings could help oncologists identify individuals at higher risk, enabling earlier intervention and improved prevention strategies.
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late, making it one of the cancers with the lowest survival rates. Symptoms can include jaundice, itchy skin, dark urine, pale stools, appetite loss, sudden weight loss, fatigue, fever, nausea, digestive issues, and upper abdominal or back pain.
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