The most common form of cancer that afflicts men in the UK is prostate cancer. Since no cure has been found yet, it is vital you know the risks associated with the development of the disease. Several studies have revealed your sleeping habits may increase prostate cancer risk.

Official estimates state that in the UK, about one in every eight men is afflicted with prostate cancer. Among them, the disease commonly affects those who are aged 65 or more. Due to the absence of a cure, it is important to understand what causes its development, as well as its risk factors, to help prevent it.

Medical professionals admit they do not know the exact cause of prostate cancer. Several risk factors, however, have been linked to the development of the disease.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

According to the health site Bupa, prostate cancer tends to be hereditary. Some genes, like the BRCA2, can increase the risk of its development.

Bupa stated that if you have a close relative, like a father or brother, who is suffering from prostate cancer, your risk in developing the disease is higher.

The health organization also warned that men who are fond of high-fat foods are also at an elevated risk of developing prostate cancer. Ethnicity may also play a role as studies have shown those with Asian or African lineage are more likely to develop the deadly disease compared to Caucasians. The risk also increases if you are 50 years old or more.

sleeping habits and prostate cancer
sleeping habits and prostate cancer Engin_Akyurt - Pixabay

Sleep and Prostate Cancer Risk

According to the latest studies concerning prostate cancer, they suggest that there exists a link between sleep and the risk of developing the disease. Dr. Lara Sigurdadottir of the University of Iceland, she said that prostate cancer is among the primary health concerns of many men and that sleep problems have been common.

She also explained that if the results of the study will be confirmed by future studies, then there is a possibility that arresting sleep problems will be able to help lower the risk of men in developing the disease.

The result of recent studies showed men who had sleep problems had an increased chance of developing prostate cancer by 1.6% to 2.1%. Severe sleeping problems also increased the risk by threefold. Dr. Sigurdadottir clarified that the findings of the study still need to be further substantiated by more subsequent studies.