Periodontal Disease May Be Linked to Lung Cancer

The American Cancer Society ranks lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death in men and women.  A recent report in the Journal of Periodontology* finds that individuals with periodontal disease may have a 1.24-fold increased risk of developing lung disease.  The researchers reviewed five studies involving over 320,000 subjects.  They identified a specific oral bacteria which may be involved in the development of cancer cells.  One study showed substantial lowering of lung cancer risk following successful treatment of periodontal disease.  Further research is necessary to strengthen this link and/or to create a cause-and-effect relationship.

*Journal of Periodontology Abstract (Posted online June 13, 2016)