Poor sleep is linked to increased cancer among young people

It has long been suggested that people who have regular insomnia may have a higher risk of developing certain diseases, compared with those who get regular, quality sleep.

Sleep disorders are on the rise in Britain, where about a fifth of adults are unable to sleep enough. At the same time, the number of young people diagnosed with cancer has increased significantly over the past three decades.

Experts still do not have a single explanation for this trend, but at the annual meeting of the American Clinical Oncology Association in Chicago, the possibility arose that poor sleep is one of the contributing factors.

According to the study, people with sleep problems were more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer, breast, ovaries, and cervix at an earlier age.

Dr. Rowan Miller, oncologist at University College London, said that poor sleep can be one of the factors that contribute to increased cases of cancer in young people, especially when there are no clear risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, or obesity.

According to her, modern life - style may be contributing to increased risk for certain types of cancer. One possible mechanism relates to the impact that sleep deprivation may have on hormonal levels, which can play a role in developing the disease.

The study, led by Jefferson Health New Jersey and Ochsner researchers MD Anderson Cancer Center found that insomniacs were 57 percent more likely to be diagnosed with ovaries within five years by sleep - related diagnosis.

They also had more than three times the risk of breast cancer and about twice the risk of colon cancer during the same period.

Over 43,000 people with insomnia and over 18 million sleep - free persons were involved in the research. Experts described the findings as interesting, but stressed that further studies are needed to understand more clearly the relationship between sleep and cancer.

Dr. Miller added that increased cancer among young people will likely be the result of several combined factors, including physical inactivity, tobacco, alcohol, feeding and lack of awareness of symptoms.

On the other hand, Dr. David Garley, general physician and director of Better Slep Clinic in Bristol, stressed that the relationship can function in the opposite direction as well. According to him, some undiscovered diseases, including cancer, can affect the quality of sleep before being diagnosed.

He added that sleep deprivation often affects other healthy behaviors, such as physical activity, good nutrition, and social life, indirectly increasing the risk of serious health problems.

In Britain, about one in three adults is believed to suffer from insomnia, while each year some 7,500 new cases of ovarian cancer are recorded. / Periscope/