Periodontal Disease Linked to Pancreatic Cancer.

 

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.; more than 30,000 Americans are expected to die from the disease this year.  It is an extremely difficult cancer to treat and little is known about the causes of the disease. 

 

In a new study researchers at Harvard School of Public Health and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk of cancer of the pancreas.  The study was published in the January 17, 2007 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.  

The results showed that, after adjusting for age, smoking, diabetes, body mass index and a number of other factors, men with periodontal disease had a 63% higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to those reporting no periodontal disease. 

 

Just more proof that keeping your mouth healthy helps keep your body healthy.

 

More information: Periodontal Disease Linked to Pancreatic Cancer