Gum disease could be a cancer risk factor

If you have or had gum disease, especially with tooth loss, do watch out for signs of oesophageal or stomach cancer. Photo: AFP

People who have periodontal (gum) disease may have a higher risk of developing some forms of cancer, suggests a letter published in the journal Gut, detailing a prospective study.

American researchers found that a history of periodontal disease appeared to be associated with a raised risk of oesophageal (gullet) and gastric (stomach) cancer.