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A new study from NYU Langone Health and the Perlmutter Cancer Center has found that certain bacteria and fungi in the mouth can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by more than three times. Published in JAMA Oncology, the research identified 27 types of bacterial and fungal species in the oral microbiome that may contribute to the disease.
The study analyzed saliva samples from 122,000 healthy adults, tracking them over nine years. Researchers found that individuals with certain oral microbes had a significantly higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The study's lead author, Dr. Yixuan Meng, explained that this research provides new insights into the relationship between the oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer. According to NYU Langone Health, these findings suggest that oral microbiota could serve as biomarkers for early screening and prevention.
The study also highlighted that oral fungi, particularly Candida species, may play a role in pancreatic cancer. Dr. Jiyoung Ahn, co-senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene as a modifiable factor for cancer prevention. The study authors noted the correlation between oral health and systemic diseases, stressing the need for further research to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
The research team plans to explore whether oral viruses could also contribute to cancer and how the oral microbiome may affect patient survival rates. This study underscores the importance of regular dental care and its potential impact on overall health.