02 Aug Periodontal Disease is Associated with Higher Risk of Cancer in Postmenopausal Women

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Wactawski-Wende

Jean Wactawski-Wende, PhD
Dean, SUNY Distinguished Professor
Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health
School of Public Health and Health Professions
University of Buffalo

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: There has been a growing interest in the role of periodontal disease in system chronic diseases, including cancer. We explored the association of periodontal disease history and incident cancer in the women’s health initiative study of postmenopausal women. We found that women reporting periodontal disease history were at increased risk of developing cancer overall. In addition they were found to have significant increased risk of specific cancers including cancers of the lung, breast, esophagus, gallbladder and melanoma. The risk persisted after control for many other factors. In addition, the risk was seen in women regardless of their smoking history. Both ever smokers and never smokers were found to have increased risk of cancer associated with periodontal disease history.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Response: Maintaining oral health and preventing and treating periodontal disease may be important in prevention of cancer.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Studies that can further explore these associations and potential mechanisms behind these findings will help us to develop intervention strategies. The potential to have a new target for cancer prevention is terrific. 

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: Support of further research in this area is important.

I have no disclosures. Thank you for your interest in our research.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Ngozi N. Nwizu, James R. Marshall, Kirsten Moysich, Robert J. Genco, Kathleen M. Hovey, Xiaodan Mai, Michael J. LaMonte, Jo L. Freudenheim, Jean Wactawski-Wende. Periodontal Disease and Incident Cancer Risk among Postmenopausal Women: Results from the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Cohort. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 2017; 26 (8): 1255 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-17-0212

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on August 2, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD