‘What has changed?’: Insomnia could explain the rise in early-onset hormonal cancer in women
The incidence of cancer in young people is increasing. Why remains uncertain, with obesity and pollution having been suggested as potential causes. At the recent ASCO meeting, data from a study were disclosed which suggested insomnia may be contributing to this increase.
A retrospective 5-year study of more than 400,000 adults with insomnia looked at cancer incidence and compared the outcomes with a large control group.
Women with insomnia had a significantly greater chance of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Men with insomnia seem to be more likely to have prostate or testicular cancer, though the evidence is incomplete.
Insomnia is said to affect about 16% of the population; behaviour modification may be protective. Melatonin, often deficient in insomnia, is an oestrogen blocker. Being an insomniac looks like a health hazard.
No comments:
Post a Comment