The pancreas is an organ located deep within the stomach. It not only plays a vital role in digestion but also helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, when cells in the pancreas start to grow uncontrollably, they can form tumours, leading to pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer worldwide and is one of the most difficult cancers to detect. While lifestyle choices, age, and health history influence a person’s risk of pancreatic cancer, studies suggest that poor oral hygiene may also be associated with the disease risk.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Kunjal Patel, Molecular Oncopathologist, Neuberg Centre for Genomic Centre, shed light on this link and shared whether or not the claim is accurate.
Also Read: Pancreatic Cancer: How To Know If The Cancer Has Spread?
What Are The Known Risk Factors Of Pancreatic Cancer?
Firstly, addressing the common and known risk factors for pancreatic cancer, Dr Patel listed:
- Smoking
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Family history of the disease
- Certain genetic mutations
- Age greater than 60
- Diets high in red and processed meats
- Heavy alcohol use
He added, “The genes most commonly associated with pathogenic germline alterations (PGAs) are BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, STK11, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, CDKN2A, and TP53. Several genes are associated with the familial form of pancreatitis, including PRSS1, SPINK1, and CFTR genes.”
Additionally, the doctor mentioned that exposure to chemicals and heavy metals such as beta-naphthylamine, benzidine, pesticides, asbestos, and benzene can also contribute to the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Moreover, a meta-analysis including 22 cohort studies with 8,091 patients with pancreatic cancer showed that those who engage in low levels of physical activity have an increased risk for pancreatic cancer relative to those who engage in high levels of physical activity, he added.
Is Poor Oral Hygiene Linked To Pancreatic Cancer Risk?
Severe studies link poor oral health to increased pancreatic cancer risk.
A 2019 study published in British Society of Gastroenterology’s official journal found that cysts with a higher risk of becoming cancerous contained more bacterial DNA and a specific type of bacteria from the mouth, suggesting that oral bacteria may play a role in the development of pancreatic cancer.
Another study investigated a specific bacterial protein (Td-CTLP) found in gum disease and its potential link to various cancers in the digestive system. Researchers found Td-CTLP in most digestive tract tumour samples they examined. This protein appears to activate enzymes that break down tissues and inactivate proteins that normally prevent such breakdown.
A more recent study (2020) published in the journal Cancers investigated how a certain mouth bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, might be linked to pancreatic cancer. They found that this bacteria can live inside pancreatic cancer cells and appears to help these cells grow faster.
According to Dr Patel, P. gingivalis is one of the most common harmful oral bacteria and is strongly linked to periodontitis.
"While more research is needed for definitive conclusions, maintaining oral health is advisable for overall disease prevention," he said.
Also Read: Warning Signs Your Pancreas Is Struggling: Important Tests To Take
Understanding The Importance Of Early Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
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Many factors pose challenges to detecting pancreatic cancer early. This includes the location of the pancreas, nonspecific symptoms, and a lack of effective screening tests, according to Dr Patel.
In fact, the American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests that people usually have no symptoms until the cancer has become very large or has already spread to other organs.
This can further problematise the treatment process, leading to a poor outcome.
Role Of Proper Oral Hygiene
As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular brushing twice a day and flossing between your teeth to remove dental plaque are important steps to take to maintain oral health.
It is also important to choose your foods mindfully, rinse your mouth thoroughly after meals, and visit your dentist regularly, at least once a year.
Ensure that you have a healthy, balanced diet, avoid highly processed foods, limit the frequency of snacking, do not hold food in the mouth for too long, and switch to healthier snacks.