Oral Health Linked to Cancer Risk

CancerConsultants.com - News 27/05/2008
Poororal health can significantly increase the risk of developing severaltypes of cancers. These results were recently reported in the Lancet Oncology.Recentresearch has indicated that there may be a link between periodontaldisease and the risk of different types of cancers. There is already anestablished link between oral health and heart disease, and it isbelieved that inflammation and immune system responses associated withpoor oral health have a role in overall health. Because a significantamount of periodontal disease can be prevented through flossing,brushing, and regular cleaning, researchers hope that individuals withgood oral hygiene may be able to significantly reduce their risks ofcancer.Researchers from Imperial College London recentlyconducted a clinical study to explore the potential association betweenoral health and cancer rates among 51,529 American males who werebetween 40 and 75 years of age. Participants were health professionalswho completed an initial questionnaire upon initiation of the study andevery two years thereafter. The median follow-up for these participantswas nearly 18 years.Individuals with periodontal disease had an overall 14% increased risk for developing cancer.Periodontaldisease was associated with a 36% increased risk of lung cancer, a 49%increased risk of kidney cancer, a 54% increased risk of pancreaticcancer, and a 30% increased risk of hematologic cancers (non-Hodgkin'slymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma).The researchersconcluded that these findings need further confirmation; however, itappears that oral health, whether it is a sign of an immune system moresusceptible to cancer or whether it is a direct cause itself, isassociated with cancer risks. Further studies evaluating thisassociation will also help researchers understand if regular flossingand brushing will help to reduce the risk of specific cancers.Reference: Michaud D, et al. Periodontal disease, tooth loss, and cancer risk in male health professionals: A prospective cohort study. Lancet Oncology. 2008; 9: 550-558.

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