Snoring affects breathing and reduces sleep quality considerably. Snoring is caused by partial obstruction of the airway, enlargement of the throat structure, or relaxation of the muscles. Snoring, which is generally thought to be seen in overweight people, is among the conditions that everyone experiences. Swedish experts examined the link between snoring and cancer risks in their research. As a result of the study, it was seen that cancer patients experienced more snoring problems.
HIGH RATE OF LUNG, PROSTATE, SKIN CANCER
The research, presented at a medical conference in Barcelona, followed nearly 4,200 patients with the form of obstructive apnea. Half of them had been diagnosed with cancer in the past five years. Scientists led by Dr Andreas Palm from Uppsala University measured how severe their condition was. According to the results of the research, it was seen that cancer patients generally experienced more interruptions during their sleep. The mean AHI score was 32 compared to 30 in the non-cancer group. Their ODI was also 28 compared to 26. Meanwhile, the ODI was higher in patients with lung cancer (38 versus 27), prostate cancer (28 versus 24), and skin cancer (32 versus 25).
SLEEP APNES IS RELATED TO CANCER ACCORDING TO RESEARCH
“It is already known that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have an increased risk of cancer. However, it is unclear whether this is due to the Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome itself or to related risk factors for cancer, such as obesity, cardiometabolic disease, and lifestyle factors. Our findings suggest that OSA-induced oxygen deprivation is independently associated with cancer.’
MORE RESEARCH NEEDED
However, the study was observational only and cannot prove that apnea causes cancer. The researchers said that physical activity, one of the main factors affecting cancer, was not taken into account in the study. ‘More research is needed and we hope our work will encourage other researchers to explore this important issue,’ said Dr Palm.
CAN CAUSE DROPS IN BRAIN POWER AND BLOOD CLOTHES
Another study shown at the same conference suggested that OSA also causes a decline in brain power in the elderly. Researchers in Switzerland said men and women aged 74 and older showed a sharper decline in certain cognitive tests. Meanwhile, a third study done in France suggested that the condition may increase the risk of developing fatal blood clots in the veins.