Link Found Between Gum Disease and Pancreatic Cancer
The new links found between gum disease and serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, have lead doctors and dentists alike to encourage patients to invest in their oral health, for the benefit of their overall health.
Now further research has found another link, between certain types of gum disease and pancreatic cancer.
The research involved comparing the saliva of 10 pancreatic cancer patients with the saliva of 10 healthy people and revealed visible variations between the bacterial colonies present within each group. Further research was conducted on a group of 28 subjects and tests revealed that certain bacterial groups, such as Granulicatella adjacens were found in greater numbers within the cancer group.
It is though that these higher levels may greatly increase a person’s susceptibility to pancreatic inflammation and subsequently the development of pancreatic cancer, but further research is being conducted to confirm this theory.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the hardest cancers to treat, with Apple creator Steve Jobs succumbing to the disease earlier this month. It is therefore hoped that linking the disease to treatable and controllable conditions such as gum disease, may help cut down the number of pancreatic cancer victims in the future.
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