Gum DiseaseLinked to Deadly Cancer in Men
Not taking care of teeth and gums could raise the risk for pancreatic cancer, according to a study of more than 51,000 men ages 40 to 75. Men who had gum disease had a 64 percent higher risk for pancreatic cancer compared with men who had healthy gums. Gum disease is linked to inflammation in the body. Inflammation also appears to play a role in the development of pancreatic cancer. Other factors linked to this type of cancer in men—and women—are smoking and eating a lot of red and processed meat.1
1 “A Prospective Study of Periodontal Disease and Pancreatic Cancer in U.S. Male Health Professionals.” D.S. Michaud et al. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. January 17, 2007, vol. 99, no. 2, pp. 171-75.
Author:
Ramos, Laura
Date Last Reviewed:
10/3/2008
Date Last Modified:
10/3/2008
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