Certain species of bacteria and fungi living in people’s mouths are tied to the development of pancreatic cancer, new research has claimed.
Scientists from NYU Langone Health in New York have found that 27 oral microbes are associated with a 3.5 times higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Previously, researchers have said that people with poor oral health are more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer compared to those with better oral health.
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This is thought to be because these harmful species of bacteria and fungi can travel through saliva, which when swallowed goes into the pancreas.
As part of the trial, the team of scientists analysed the saliva samples of 122,000 healthy people to assess the genetic makeup of microbes.
First author Yixuan Meng said: “Our findings provide new insight into the relationship between the oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer.”
Previous research conducted by the same scientists identified a link between certain oral bacteria and a greater risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma – the most common type of cancer affecting the head and neck.
This trial is the first to display that pancreatic cancer can be triggered by oral fungi, otherwise known as a type of yeast called Candida that naturally lives on the skin and throughout the body.
Corresponding author Professor Jiyoung Ahn said: “By profiling bacterial and fungal populations in the mouth, oncologists may be able to flag those most in need of pancreatic cancer screening.
“There are currently few effective screening methods for the disease, which is among the deadliest forms of cancer.”
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Fellow author Professor Richard Hayes said: “It is clearer than ever that brushing and flossing your teeth may not only prevent periodontal disease but may also protect against cancer.
“The study was designed to identify correlations between disease risk and certain microbes in the mouth, but not to establish a direct cause-and-effect link.”
He concluded: “The research team next plans to explore whether oral viruses could contribute to cancer and how the mouth’s microbiome may affect patients’ chances of survival.”
Read more in the journal JAMA Oncology.
