Women with breast cancer exhibit a higher risk for periodontitis: A nationwide cohort study

Epidemiologic research has linked periodontitis to several types of cancer, particularly breast cancer. Although clinical evidence indicates a higher risk of breast cancer in women with periodontitis than in those without, few studies have explored whether the risk of periodontitis is higher in women with breast cancer than in those without. In this study, we examined the incidence of periodontitis in patients with breast cancer and identified potential interventions for its prevention.

This retrospective cohort study included data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. We identified women who received a diagnosis of breast cancer between 2010 and 2019 and included a 1:1 matched control cohort with no breast cancer. Subsequently, we analyzed the risk of periodontitis by using Cox proportional-hazards models while adjusting for sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, and treatment regimens.

In 82,146 matched pairs, the breast cancer cohort was at a 51 % higher risk of periodontitis compared with the control cohort (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.51, 95 % confidence interval = 1.43-1.60). The stratified analysis revealed the same results. The risk of breast cancer was higher in younger patients than in older patients, whereas the risk of periodontitis was significantly lower in patients who underwent surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy compared with those who did not.

Breast cancer increases the risk of periodontitis, particularly in younger patients. These patients should receive regular dental care to prevent and manage periodontitis. Anticancer treatments may mitigate the risk of periodontitis in patients with breast cancer.