Females with Sleep Apnea More Likely to Get Cancer
Characteristics of sleep apnea in women are wide-ranging and varied. Image taken from Chatelaine website.
Study featured in European Respiratory Journal shows 2% of adults suffering from Sleep Apnea have history of cancer diagnoses as well.
A recent study that was featured in the European Respiratory Journal, analyzed data for approximately 20,000 adults suffering from Sleep Apnea. From the data provided it was observed that about 2% of the participants had also been diagnosed with cancer based on their medical history. The data was compiled from records of nearly 33 centers across Europe by the European Sleep Apnea Database (ESADA).
According to the research team, cancer is more common in females who also suffer from sleep apnea and while there is no concrete evidence to support the theory, there appears to be an existent link. Ludger Grote who is a professor and chief physician in sleep medicine at the Gothenburg University in Sweden, has stated, that it is “reasonable” to assume “sleep apnea is a risk factor for cancer or that both conditions have common risk factors, such as [being] overweight”.
OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) or sleep apnea, is a condition where the individual experiences short and often repeated interruptions in breathing while asleep caused by an inability of throat muscles to keep the airway open. Another form of sleep apnea known as central sleep apnea, usually occurs because if a failure in brain signaling. However, it is the former type that is most common. Moreover, the obstructive sleep apnea can lead to fragmented sleep due to insufficient oxygen levels.
Moreover, low oxygen and disturbed sleep can also cause heart disease including high blood pressure, memory problems and even mood disturbance. Based on the NSF, the percentage of people suffering from sleep apnea in the US alone is far greater. According to Dr. Grote, the condition is well known to the common man as it is generally associated to snoring, daytime fatigue and even elevated risk of cardiovascular disease(s). However, the issue continues to remain under debate with regards to OSA and its connection with cancer due to smaller number of participants.
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