The Harvard School of Public Health recently conducted a study, which concluded that men with a history of gum (periodontal) diseases have higher chances of developing pancreatic cancer. The study involved over 16-year-olds and more than 51,000 male participants, conducted by researchers from Harvard, the University of San Juan, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The study aimed to determine if tooth loss and gum diseases increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. After the researchers adjusted the smoking history, age, and other factors like obesity, diet, diabetes and family history of cancer, the research was able to establish that men with a history of gum disease have a 64 percent chance of developing pancreatic cancer compared to men with gum disease.

The reason for gum diseases causing pancreatic cancer is not yet known, however, researchers speculate that any chronic infection in the gums results in triggering inflammation throughout the body, which eventually might promote the growth of cancer cells.

Some Facts & Figures

• According to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), pancreatic cancer ranks as the 12th most common cancer among men and the 11th most common among women.
• It has the lowest survival rate of all cancers, with only a 3 per cent to 6 per cent survival rate after diagnosis.
• If detected early, it is highly treatable; however, it is often diagnosed at an advance.
• Almost 80% of Pancreatic Cancer is diagnosed at a very late stage giving the patient a life expectancy between 4 and 6 months.
• Pancreatic Cancer is the 7th most common cancer that causes death worldwide.

How to Protect Your Oral and Overall Health

Practice Good Oral Hygiene:

Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Early detection of gum disease or tooth decay can prevent more severe complications.

Avoid smoking and maintain a balanced diet to support oral and general health.

Awareness of the connection between oral health and systemic diseases like pancreatic cancer is essential for proactive care.

5 Studies That Links Pancreatic Cancer To Poor Oral Health

The American Dental Association has stated that while there are plausible biological mechanisms that result in increasing the risk of pancreatic cancer due to poor oral health, more investigation and research should be conducted to validate this association. However, there have been five other researches apart from that done by Harvard University that associate pancreatic cancer with poor oral health. Those five studies are:

1. Oral Bacteria In Pancreatic Tumours: Sweden’s Karolinska Institute conducted research that established the presence of oral bacteria in Pancreatic tumors that are of severe nature. The study was published in the British Society of Gastroenterology’s official journal.
2. African American Women With Poor Oral Health: Boston University researchers were able to conclude that African American women suffering from tooth loss or periodontitis have higher chances of getting pancreatic cancer. The study was published in the American Association for Cancer Research Journal.
3. Periodontitis Bacteria May Augment Onset Of Pancreatic Cancer: Helsinki University Hospital and Karolinska Institute conducted research that proved bacteria causing periodontitis is likely to boost the onset of pancreatic cancer.
4. Oral Bacteria Linked With Pancreatic Cancer Risk: People with high saliva levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis have a higher risk of getting pancreatic cancer according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.
5. Specific Mouth Bacteria Linked To Pancreatic Cancer: Research presented in the American Association for Cancer Research established that bacteria related to periodontal diseases in the mouth increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Don’t let poor oral health put you at risk. Visit Warrnambool Smile for comprehensive dental care that supports your smile and overall health. Book an appointment today!