GUM DISEASE MAY RAISE RISK OF SOME CANCERS People who have periodontal (gum) disease may have a higher risk of developing some forms of cancer, suggests a prospective study. Researchers found that a history of periodontal disease appeared to be associated with a raised risk of esophageal (gullet) cancer and gastric (stomach) cancer. Previous findings on the relationship of periodontal disease and tooth loss with esophageal and gastric cancer have been inconsistent. The researchers examined the association of history of periodontal disease and tooth loss with the risk of esophageal and gastric cancer in 98,459 women and 49,685 men. The results showed that during 22-28 years of follow-up, there were 199 cases of esophageal cancer and 238 cases of gastric cancer. A history of periodontal disease was associated with a 43% and 52% increased risk of esophageal cancer and gastric cancer, respectively. In addition, among individuals with a history of periodontal disease, no tooth loss and losing one or more teeth were equally associated with a 59% increased risk of esophageal cancer compared to those with no history of periodontal disease and no tooth loss. Similarly, the same group of individuals had 50% and 68% greater risk of gastric cancer, respectively. The authors point to possible reasons for an association between oral bacteria ( oral microbiota) and esophageal and gastric cancer, with evidence from other studies suggesting that tannerella forsythia and porphyromonas gingivalis -- members of the 'red complex' of periodontal pathogens -- were associated with the presence or risk of esophageal cancer. Another possible reason is that poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease could promote the formation of endogenous nitrosamines known to cause gastric cancer through nitrate-reducing bacteria. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL 1844807 GUM DISEASE MAY RAISE RISK OF SOME CANCERS People who have periodontal (gum) disease may have a higher risk of developing some forms of cancer, suggests a prospective study. Researchers found that a history of periodontal disease appeared to be associated with a raised risk of esophageal (gullet) cancer and gastric (stomach) cancer. Previous findings on the relationship of periodontal disease and tooth loss with esophageal and gastric cancer have been inconsistent. The researchers examined the association of history of periodontal disease and tooth loss with the risk of esophageal and gastric cancer in 98,459 women and 49,685 men. The results showed that during 22-28 years of follow-up, there were 199 cases of esophageal cancer and 238 cases of gastric cancer. A history of periodontal disease was associated with a 43% and 52% increased risk of esophageal cancer and gastric cancer, respectively. In addition, among individuals with a history of periodontal disease, no tooth loss and losing one or more teeth were equally associated with a 59% increased risk of esophageal cancer compared to those with no history of periodontal disease and no tooth loss. Similarly, the same group of individuals had 50% and 68% greater risk of gastric cancer, respectively. The authors point to possible reasons for an association between oral bacteria ( oral microbiota) and esophageal and gastric cancer, with evidence from other studies suggesting that tannerella forsythia and porphyromonas gingivalis -- members of the 'red complex' of periodontal pathogens -- were associated with the presence or risk of esophageal cancer. Another possible reason is that poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease could promote the formation of endogenous nitrosamines known to cause gastric cancer through nitrate-reducing bacteria. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL 1844807