A new study has found that snoring can raise the risk of colon cancer by up to 60%. For years, people have been told about the dangers of smoking, drinking excessively, and poor diet when it comes to cancer.

But the link between snoring and cancer is something that has not been on the radar until recently.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon, which is the large intestine. The colon is responsible for absorbing water and any remaining nutrients from food.

Colon cancer starts as a noncancerous polyp on the lining of the colon and over time can grow into cancer.

Understanding the study

Researchers at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea followed over 130,000 people for approximately eight years with the aim to see if there was a link between snoring and cancer.

They discovered that those who snore heavily or have sleep apnea have a higher risk of developing colon cancer than those who do not. The study revealed that snoring can increase the likelihood of colon cancer by 60%. The Korean team also analyzed the data to reveal that men were more likely to be affected than women.

What causes snoring?

The sound of snoring is caused by the vibration of tissues in the upper airway when breathing during sleep. These vibrations can cause a partial blockage in the airway.

Nasal problems such as a deviated septum or nasal congestion, throat and tongue muscles, and certain medications, such as sleeping pills, can also be contributing factors.

How does snoring increase the risk of colon cancer?

The study does not show a cause and effect connection between snoring and colon cancer, but it does suggest a link. When we snore, our body, and especially our brain, can become deprived of oxygen.

This deprivation can lead to poor functioning of the body, including the immune system. A poor immune system can then result in the formation of cancer cells and their spread.

What else can raise the risk of colon cancer?

Various other lifestyle factors and medical conditions can also increase the risk of colon cancer, including:.

Family history of colon cancer
Smoking
Drinking heavily
Obesity
A diet high in processed or red meat
Other gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease
Age (most people with colon cancer are over 50)

What precautions can you take?

If you are a heavy snorer or suffer from sleep apnea, it is crucial to seek medical advice.

You may need to see a sleep specialist who can suggest treatment options like losing weight, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, or using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. These treatments can help minimize the risk of sleep apnea and associated snoring, and therefore a potential risk of colon cancer.

Eating a balanced diet, staying active and healthy, and avoiding smoking can also help lower the risk of colon cancer. Colon cancer can be preventable through regular screening tests like colonoscopies.

Screening can detect colon cancer in its early stages before symptoms arise.

Takeaway

The findings of this study reveal an unexpected risk factor for colon cancer. However, despite the link between snoring and colon cancer, researchers emphasize that snoring should not be considered a direct cause of the disease.

The study promotes the idea that a good quality of sleep is crucial to overall health, and snoring can be a sign that something is not right with sleep. Hence, it is essential to manage snoring as part of an overall health and wellness strategy to minimize the risk of other health complications.