Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States. While some cases of cancer are inevitable due to genetics or other unchangeable circumstances, other cases arise as the result of modifiable risk factors, which may include sleep apnea. This is especially true of women. Continue reading below to learn more about these conditions may be linked.
Cancer Is More Common in Women with Sleep Apnea
A 2019 study included data from nearly 20,000 adults who had been diagnosed with sleep apnea. The researchers found that 2% of the patients had been diagnosed with a serious case of cancer. However, the distribution of cancer between males and females was surprisingly skewed. 2.8% of the women had cancer, whereas only 1.7% of the men were afflicted. Most of the individuals with cancer were over 50 years of age.
Does Sleep Apnea Cause Cancer?
While there is an association between sleep apnea and cancer in women, there is not yet sufficient evidence to conclude that sleep apnea is the cause of condition. There may be a correlation due to shared risk factors, such as obesity, the use of tobacco products, and increasing age.
Of course, there is also the possibility that sleep apnea can directly affect cancer risk. Some researchers postulate that the oxygen deprivation and poor sleep quality caused by sleep apnea can negatively impact the health of tissues throughout the body, contributing to the development of cancerous growths.
Women may be at a higher risk than men due to females’ complex hormonal makeup.
What You Can Do
Regardless of whether sleep apnea actually causes cancer, it is worth your time and effort to focus on your sleep quality!
Here are a few tips that could help women (and everyone else) to improve their sleep:
- Seek sleep apnea treatment. If you are constantly tired, snore frequently, or have other sleep apnea symptoms, you should seek diagnosis and treatment right away.
- Talk to your doctor. Hormonal fluctuations, stress, and physical discomfort can all affect sleep quality. Your primary care physician may be able to help you with such issues.
- Practice good sleep hygiene. You should stick to a regular bedtime, avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, invest in a comfortable mattress, and take other steps to protect your nightly rest.
Increased cancer risk is just one of the many ways in which sleep apnea might affect your health. Improving your sleep might just save your life!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Mitch Conditt and the team at Fort Worth Snoring & Sleep Center are eager to help patients in our community enjoy the benefits of high-quality sleep. That is why we offer comfortable and convenient treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. If you are concerned that poor sleep may be affecting your health, we would be pleased to consult with you. Contact us at 817-527-8500.