Oral Microbes Linked to 3-Fold Increased Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
8 hours ago
- #health research
- #oral microbiome
- #pancreatic cancer
- 27 species of bacteria and fungi in the mouth are linked to a 3.5 times higher risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Poor oral health has long been associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, with bacteria potentially traveling to the pancreas via saliva.
- The study analyzed saliva samples from 122,000 healthy individuals, identifying microbial species tied to pancreatic cancer risk.
- 24 bacterial and fungal species were found to individually influence pancreatic cancer risk, with three linked to periodontal disease.
- The oral microbiome's composition could serve as a tool for estimating pancreatic cancer risk, aiding early screening.
- The study highlights the importance of oral hygiene in potentially reducing cancer risk, though causation is not yet established.
- Future research will explore the role of oral viruses in cancer and the microbiome's impact on survival rates.