Multiple studies led by NYU Langone Health have identified a significant association between the composition of oral bacteria and fungi and increased pancreatic cancer risk. A microbial risk score combining 27 species—including candidal fungi and periodontal pathogens—was correlated with up to 3.5-fold elevated risk. These findings position the oral microbiome as a promising biomarker for early pancreatic cancer detection and prevention strategies in this lethal disease with limited known causes.