Breast Cancer Risk Higher in Older Women With Gum Disease

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A new research suggests that middle-aged and older women who have gum disease suffer from slightly higher risks of being diagnosed with breast cancer than those who do not have.

As the starting action of the study, researchers analyzed and used data gathered from more than 73,000 postmenopausal women, who were not diagnosed with breast cancer, enrolled in Women's Health Initiative Observational Study.

Nearly a quarter of the participants confirmed that they had periodontal disease, generally called as gum disease, which has already been linked to several diseases, including diabetes, strokes and other types of cancer.

The Reuters reported that researchers observed and followed up the participants for an average of six and a half years. After the observation and follow-up period, more or less 2.9 percent of the total participants or 2,100 women had suffered from breast cancer. The results show that those women who suffered from gum disease have 14 percent higher risks of acquiring breast cancer than those who never have the periodontal disease.

The study also suggests that the 14 percent might increase to more than 30 percent if the participant had smoked in the previous 20 years.

According to Health, Jo Freudhenheim, the lead author of the research and an epidemiology professor at Buffalo's School of Public Health and Health Professions in New York, said that the findings of the study are very relevant in terms of coming up with brand new insights as to what causes breast cancer. However, she emphasized the fact that it is still too early to jump into conclusions that treating gum disease would lessen the breast cancer risk. According to her, they still need to conduct more study and to gather enough evidence for it.

On the other hand, she pointed out the fact that good dental care is highly important even when there is still no proof that it reduces the chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Good dental care and treatment of gum disease are no doubt essential in keeping the mouth healthy.

Swollen and bleeding gums are symptoms of the periodontal disease, according to the Colgate website. Once these are experienced, it is suggested to pay a visit to the dentist immediately. On the other hand, whether a person has gum disease or not, it is a must to regularly meet his dentist to get a dental check-up every once in a while to be able to monitor one's dental health.