Lack of Sleep Increases Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

Lack of Sleep Increases Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

Lack of sleep hours has been known to be at risk for overall health. But recent research has shown that lack of sleep can lead to a more aggressive form of breast cancer, and even increase the risk of recurrence.

The study was conducted by scientists from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and published his research in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment August edition.

The study was conducted by using Oncotype DX to analyze medical records of 412 breast cancer patients post-menstrual. In addition, the patients were asked to answer a questionnaire to determine the average sleep duration of two years.

Oncotype DX is a medical test, where the results can help your doctor to determine what type of treatment for early stage breast cancer and predict the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

The study found that women who had an average sleep time per night less than six hours of sleep for the last two years, have a high score of Oncotype DX and the risk of cancer recurrence than women who have time to sleep longer.

"Lack of sleep can lead to aggressive breast cancer tumors, but more research needs to be done in this direction," said Dr.. Cheryl Thompson, lead researcher and assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University School, as reported onlymyhealth.