Every day it seems we learn more about the many life forms that live inside our bodies. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi all live inside us and have the power to greatly affect our health. In addition to the gut microbiome that seems to get all the attention, there is a mouth microbiome which has only recently begun to be closely studied.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer. In its earliest stages, when it is most susceptible to treatment, it has few symptoms and is only rarely discovered. When it is discovered, it is usually at an advanced stage and has spread to other parts of the body. It is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Only 25% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer live for one year. Only 12% will live for five years following diagnosis. Screening the entire population for early pancreatic cancer is not cost-effective. Now there may be a better way.
Scientists have known for some time that there is an association between the presence of certain bacteria in the mouth and the development of pancreatic cancer. Whether there was a cause and effect relationship or only a coincidental relationship was unclear. A recent study involving over 120,000 people has looked into the role bacteria and fungi in the mouth play in the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
The study analyzed the bacteria and fungi present in the mouth and then compared those findings to the rates of pancreatic cancer. Researchers found that there were 24 bacteria and four fungi, which, if present, increased a person’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Four of the bacteria are closely associated with periodontal, or gum, disease. Symptoms of gum disease include redness and swelling of the gums, bleeding when flossing, persistent bad breath, and a sour taste in the mouth. People with gum disease are at higher risk for pancreatic cancer and doctors have known this for some time. The role of the other bacteria and fungi were not known before this study was performed.
Researchers developed a microbial risk score (MRS) based on the number of problematic bacteria and fungi present in a person’s mouth. For every standard deviation from normal, a person’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer increased by almost 3 1/2 times.
At this point, there is little doctors can do for people with a high risk score to lower it. However, since the scoring system identifies those at higher risk, it may be helpful going forward in identifying those who would benefit from early screening for pancreatic cancer. We can’t afford to test everyone, but we may be able to afford to test this group of higher risk individuals.
The other advice is advice which has been given for some time. Take good care of your mouth. Gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene. Brush frequently, floss often and visit your dentist regularly. If you do these things, you can keep your gums healthy and perhaps avoid developing pancreatic cancer.
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