{"id":140,"date":"2021-09-18T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-18T02:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secondlinefamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=140"},"modified":"2021-10-18T02:01:23","modified_gmt":"2021-10-18T02:01:23","slug":"sleep-apnea-women-cancer-risks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.secondlinefamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/09\/18\/sleep-apnea-women-cancer-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleep Apnea in Women and Cancer Risks"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WomanAccording to the Sleep Apnea Foundation, 2-9% of adults in the United States have sleep apnea; however, most people are undiagnosed. Typically, it\u2019s a condition that\u2019s thought to only affect men, but women aren\u2019t immune to it. The Society for Women\u2019s Health Research reports 1 in 5 women have sleep apnea. Although it can have potentially deadly complications, it can be managed and controlled using a CPAP or oral appliance. A good night\u2019s rest is crucial to your physical and mental health, as well as your quality of life, but there\u2019s another reason to see a sleep dentist for treatment. Research shows untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of cancer in women.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

Sleep Apnea and Cancer Risks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With no treatment, sleep apnea increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, sleep deprivation, and more. Recently, researchers found another potential complication. According to the study leader, Athanasia Pataka, women are more likely than men to develop cancer if they have sleep apnea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After reviewing various studies, researchers found low oxygen levels combined with disrupted sleep quality can influence the biology of multiple cancers. Sleep apnea causes frequent drops in oxygen levels from an obstruction in the mouth or throat while sleeping. Each interruption in breathing will force your body to wake up to resume inhaling and exhaling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers at Aristotle University in Greece analyzed data from 19,000 sleep apnea patients in Europe to distinguish a gender-related connection between the disorder, low blood oxygen levels, and cancer risks. The study had alarming findings. People who had obstructions in their airways while sleeping and blood oxygen saturation levels that dipped below 90% had a higher risk for cancer when compared to those without the sleep disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2% of the study participants had been diagnosed with cancer. 2.8% of those were women, while only 1.7% were men. Women over 50 and less overweight were found to have the highest risk. Breast cancer was the most found among women, and prostate cancer was the most prevalent among males.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Sleep Apnea Cause Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While there appears to be a link between sleep apnea and cancer, there isn\u2019t enough data to determine if the disorder causes cancerous cells. Although more information is needed, a study published in the European Respiratory Journal<\/em> recommends women receive treatment for sleep apnea<\/a> to promote their overall wellness, such as with a:<\/p>\n\n\n\n