HOUSTON: New research presented at a major cancer conference in the United States suggests that poor or irregular sleep may be associated with a higher risk of cancer among adults under the age of 50, adding to growing concerns about the rise in early-onset cancer cases worldwide.
The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and are based on an analysis of medical data from more than 18 million Americans aged between 18 and 50. Researchers say the results highlight a potential link between sleep disorders and the increasing incidence of cancer in younger populations.
According to global estimates, diagnoses of early-onset cancer have increased significantly over the past three decades. Cases among younger adults rose from approximately 1.82 million in 1990 to 3.26 million in 2019, while cancer-related deaths in people aged 40 and under increased by 27%.
Researchers examine sleep and cancer connection
Scientists at the MD Anderson Cancer Center analyzed health records to investigate whether sleep patterns could be contributing to this trend.
The study found that individuals experiencing insomnia, insufficient sleep or irregular sleeping schedules were more likely to develop cancer before the age of 50 compared with those who maintained consistent sleep habits.
Researchers reported that, in some cases, people diagnosed with insomnia before the age of 50 faced up to three times the risk of developing cancer within the following five years compared with the general population.
More research needed
While the findings point to a possible association between sleep disruption and cancer risk, researchers cautioned that additional studies are needed to better understand the relationship and determine whether poor sleep directly contributes to cancer development.
Experts said the results reinforce the importance of maintaining healthy sleep habits, not only for mental and physical well-being but also as a potential factor in long-term disease prevention.
The study’s findings were presented for scientific discussion and further evaluation by the global oncology communit
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