07/10/2025
New research from NYU Langone Health has established a strong link between specific bacteria and fungi in the mouth and a significantly higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of the disease.
The study, published in JAMA Oncology, identified 27 types of microbial species in the oral microbiome—including those linked to gum disease and the Candida fungus—that collectively were associated with a 3.5-fold (or 350%) increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Researchers created a microbial risk score based on the abundance and effect of these species, suggesting that oral profiling could serve as a new, non-invasive biomarker for identifying high-risk individuals. Given that an estimated 67,440 Americans will be diagnosed and about 51,980 will die from pancreatic cancer in 2025, the findings emphasize the critical role of maintaining good oral hygiene—including regular brushing, flossing, and dental care—as a modifiable factor for cancer prevention. The study established a correlation, and further research is needed to determine a direct cause-and-effect mechanism.
