More reason than ever for snorers to address their snoring and sleep apnoea.
A study published 12 March 2016 sheds light on how snoring and sleep apnoea might worsen outcomes for cancer patients, revealing that hypoxia (low oxygen) − a consequence of snoring and sleep apnoea − may promote blood vessel growth in tumours.
The study was carried out on mice by researchers from the Hospital Clinic De Barcelona in Spain, and presented at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Munich.
Commenting on the results, the lead researcher Dr. Antoni Vilaseca said:
"Patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea usually suffer from intermittent hypoxia at night. This work shows that intermittent hypoxia has the potential to promote the formation of blood vessels within tumours, meaning that the tumours have access to more nutrients.
This is of course an early animal study, so we need to be cautious in applying this to humans. Nevertheless, this work indicates a plausible mechanism for just why conditions which restrict oxygen flow to tissues, like sleep apnoea, may promote cancers."
This study adds to earlier findings linking increased cancer risk to snoring and sleep apnoea.
A 2012 study reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and reported in the Daily Telegraph suggested that snoring could raise cancer risk five-fold. Those researchers reported that low oxygen levels seen in some snorers may encourage the growth of tumours, and that stopping snoring could help people fight cancer.
Sleep apnea may drive tumor growth by promoting blood vessel formation
Read the original article in Medical News Today 12 March 2016 »
Studies link sleep apnoea to increased cancer risk
Links to research and commentary on 2012 study »
Glenn’s comments
These studies are one more good reason to sort out your sleep apnoea and snoring. At our clinic we take conditions like snoring and sleep apnoea seriously. Unlike treatments such as CPAP, dental appliances and surgery that only suppress the symptoms; we help you to address the cause:
The benefits of healthy breathing go way beyond resolving snoring and apnoea which are merely symptoms of a deeper malady that is not addressed by the conventional treatments.
Phone us on 09-360 6291 to find out how we can help you stop snoring and resolve your sleep apnoea the natural way.
This and more in our March News »