Recent epidemiological research has demonstrated a link between cancer incidence and mortality and obstructive sleep apnoea. We are the first group in Australia to investigate why disturbed sleep may be relevant in cancer.
In collaboration with the Cancer Research Centre, we have started by investigating endometrial cancer, breast cancer and melanoma. We are comparing data on patients’ tumours with information on their sleep to understand how obstructive sleep apnoea and other sleep disorders may affect cancer biology.
Our findings will add to the growing evidence base on the importance of sleep to good health. Discovering mechanisms that link sleep disorders to cancer will mean we can start addressing sleep problems as a risk factor earlier on in life.