Study links gum disease to certain types of cancer

LONDON A study published in Lancet Oncology links gum disease to cancer.

In results announced on Tuesday, researchers found significant associations between infections of the gums and cancers of the lungs, kidney, pancreas and blood. Subjects with gum disease had a 14 percent higher risk of developing cancer. Nonsmokers were not at lower risk.

The study surveyed 50,000 male healthcare workers, aged 40 to 75 and followed them for about 17 years. It began at Harvard University in 1986.