Core Viewpoint - Pancreatic cancer, known as the "king of cancers," is difficult to detect early and has a high mortality rate, posing significant challenges in both China and the West [1][2] Group 1: Research Findings - A recent study published in the journal JAMA Oncology reveals a previously underexplored risk factor for pancreatic cancer: oral microbiota [3] - The study analyzed oral samples from over 120,000 Americans and tracked them for nearly nine years, identifying significant differences in the oral microbiome of 445 individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer compared to others [3][4] - Specific bacteria associated with periodontal disease, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola, were found to correlate with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer [4][5] Group 2: Microbial Risk Score (MRS) - Researchers developed a "Microbial Risk Score" (MRS) by integrating 27 types of bacteria and fungi, finding that an increase of one standard deviation in this score correlates with over a threefold increase in pancreatic cancer risk [9][10] - The MRS showed significant predictive power across multiple cohorts, indicating its potential utility in assessing pancreatic cancer risk [10] Group 3: Implications for Public Health - The study suggests that analyzing oral microbiota could serve as a simple, low-cost screening method for identifying high-risk individuals for pancreatic cancer, potentially leading to earlier detection and treatment [10][11] - The findings highlight the importance of oral health, as poor oral hygiene may not only lead to dental issues but also increase the risk of systemic diseases, including cancer [16][22] Group 4: Future Directions - The research emphasizes the need for further validation of the MRS and its applicability to diverse populations, including non-Caucasian groups [20] - There is a call for collaboration between dental and oncology professionals to enhance understanding and prevention strategies related to pancreatic cancer [19]