Oral Bacteria and Fungi May Triple the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer, New Research Shows

 


A new study suggests that harmful bacteria and fungi living in the mouth may significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The findings strengthen long-standing suspicions that poor oral health is linked to serious diseases, including several forms of cancer.

Researchers from the NYU School of Medicine have identified specific microbes that appear to raise pancreatic cancer risk, proposing that harmful organisms in the mouth may travel through saliva to the pancreas and influence disease development. Their work was published in JAMA Oncology.

According to study co-author Dr. Richard Hayes, the results emphasize the broader importance of oral hygiene: “It is clearer than ever that brushing and flossing your teeth may not only help prevent periodontal disease but may also protect against cancer.”

The Oral Microbiome’s Growing Role in Disease Research

The oral microbiome—the community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that live in the mouth—has become a major focus of scientific research. An imbalance in this ecosystem has been linked to gum disease, infections, and even systemic illnesses.

This new study is the first to highlight the potential involvement of Candida, a common yeast found on the skin and inside the body, in pancreatic cancer risk.

Inside the Largest Study of Its Kind

To investigate the connection, researchers analyzed data from two major U.S. studies involving 900 participants. At the start, participants rinsed with mouthwash and provided saliva samples. They were then monitored for approximately nine years.

The team compared microbial DNA from the saliva of 445 pancreatic cancer patients to 445 cancer-free participants. After adjusting for known risk factors—including age, race, and smoking—they identified 24 bacterial and fungal species that either increased or decreased cancer risk.

Key findings included:

  • Several of the high-risk microbes are known contributors to periodontal disease, a severe infection that damages gums and jawbone.

  • The combined presence of harmful microbes increased pancreatic cancer risk by more than threefold.

  • The team developed a microbial “profile” that may help estimate an individual's likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer.

Lead author Dr. Yixuan Meng said the findings create “new insight into the relationship between the oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer.”
Study co-author Prof. Jiyoung Ahn added that profiling oral microbes could eventually help identify patients who may benefit from earlier screening.

The researchers stressed, however, that the results show correlation—not causation. More studies are needed to confirm whether the microbes directly contribute to cancer formation or simply signal underlying risk.

Pancreatic Cancer: Rising Cases and Low Survival Rates

Pancreatic cancer is among the most deadly forms of cancer. According to Cancer Research UK:

  • It causes just over 10,000 deaths each year, roughly one death every hour.

  • Cases could reach 201,000 annually by 2040.

  • When detected early, before spreading, about half of patients survive at least a year.

  • If diagnosed after spreading—which is common—only 1 in 10 patients survive beyond a year.

While the disease is most often diagnosed in individuals over 75, worrying trends show a dramatic rise among young women. Cases in women under 25 have increased by up to 200% since the 1990s, with no clear explanation.

Overall, pancreatic cancer rates in Britain have increased by 17%, with obesity and environmental factors considered possible contributors.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Pancreatic cancer is often called a “silent killer” because symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for less serious issues. Possible early signs include:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

  • Itchy skin

  • Dark urine

  • Loss of appetite

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Bloating or constipation

While these symptoms are usually caused by less serious conditions, early evaluation is important—especially if symptoms persist for more than four weeks.

Why Oral Health Might Matter More Than You Think

Scientists are increasingly exploring how bacteria, fungi, and even viruses in the mouth may influence cancer risk, disease progression, and overall health. With smoking linked to 22% of pancreatic cancer cases and obesity to 12%, maintaining oral health may play a larger role than previously understood.

The NYU team plans to continue examining how oral microbes—including fungi and viruses—affect cancer development and patient outcomes.

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