Obstructive sleep apnoea associated with increased risk of cancer and other adversities

People suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are at a higher risk of cancer, according to a large study presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

A second study showed that OSA was also linked to a decline in processing powers in the elderly; in particular, those aged 74 years or more and men showed a steeper decline in certain cognitive tests. A third study found that patients with more severe OSA were at greater risk of developing blood clots in their veins – a potentially life-threatening condition.

OSA is a common sleep disorder whereby people experience partial or complete obstruction of their airways during sleep and stop breathing several times a night. This can manifest as loud snoring, gasping, choking and daytime sleepiness. It is believed to affect at least 7-13% of the population. People who are overweight or obese, have diabetes, or who smoke or consume large amounts of alcohol are most at risk of OSA.

Ref:

Dr Andreas Palm et al, MEETING:European Respiratory Society International Congress 2022