Is Sleep Apnea a Risk Factor for Cancer in Women?

In a recent year, nearly 10 million people died of cancer worldwide. In the United States, it is the second-leading cause of death after heart disease. While some instances of cancer are unavoidable, other cases might have been avoided if certain modifiable risk factors had been addressed. One of those risk factors might be sleep apnea, particularly in women. This blog post explores that troubling connection.

Cancer Is More Common in Women with Sleep Apnea

IT is well known that poor sleep is connected with a range of health issues, including heart problems, metabolic syndrome, and more. But what about cancer? A 2019 study examined data from nearly 20,000 adults who had been diagnosed with sleep apnea. It was found that 2% of the patients also had a serious case of cancer. However, the distribution of cancer between males and females was much more skewed than expected. Only 1.7% of the men were affected, compared to 2.8% of the women. Most of the cancer cases were found in people over the age of 50.

Does Sleep Apnea Cause Cancer?

While there is a clear association between sleep apnea and cancer in biological females, there is not enough evidence to say that sleep apnea actually causes cancer. The correlation could be due to shared risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, and increasing age.

Of course, there is also the chance that sleep apnea has a direct effect on cancer risk. Some experts postulate that the oxygen deprivation and low sleep quality caused by sleep apnea can adversely affect tissues throughout the body, which can lead to the development of cancer.

The question also arises, why do women seem more vulnerable than men? It could simply be due to the complex hormonal makeup of females. However, no extensive research has been done on the subject.

What You Can Do

Regardless of whether sleep apnea can lead to cancer, there is no doubt that high-quality sleep is good for your health! Here are some tips that can help women (and everyone else) to improve their nightly shuteye:

• Seek sleep apnea treatment and diagnosis. If you frequently snore or always feel tired, it may be time to talk to your doctor about getting tested for sleep apnea. Multiple convenient treatment options are available. For example, you might qualify for a small oral appliance from a sleep dentist.
• Address other factors that could affect your sleep. Hormonal changes, stress, pain, and other factors can all have a bearing on how well you sleep. Certain lifestyle changes and guidance from your primary care physician might be able to help with such issues.
• Have a good sleep routine. It is wise to have a regular bedtime, avoid the overconsumption of caffeine and alcohol, invest in a comfortable mattress, and make sure your bedroom is at a slightly cool temperature.

A heightened cancer risk is just one way that sleep apnea might impact your health. Getting better sleep might just save your life!

Meet the Practice

Dr. Deborah Romack is talented dentist who has spent nearly 20 years learning about sleep apnea, airway health, and oral appliance therapy. She has already helped countless women and men to enjoy more restful nights and improved overall wellness. If you are concerned about the quality of your sleep, she and our team would be pleased to consult with you. Get in touch with Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine at 817-594-3806.