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As cancer rates continue to rise among people under 50, a new study suggests that insomnia and irregular sleep patterns may be linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. However, experts emphasize that the findings show only a correlation and do not prove that sleep disorders directly cause cancer.

According to The Guardian, the study was presented last month at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting held in Chicago. The research was conducted by scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

The researchers analyzed health data from more than 18 million adults aged 18 to 50 in the United States. The results showed that individuals with poor sleep patterns were relatively more likely to develop early-onset colorectal, breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers.

In some cases, adults under 50 diagnosed with insomnia were found to be up to three times more likely to receive a cancer diagnosis within five years.

The research team noted that these findings highlight a potential link between sleep disorders and early-onset cancers. Since sleep problems are modifiable through lifestyle changes or treatment, they suggested that sleep health should be considered when assessing cancer risk in younger populations.

The rise in cancer among younger individuals has recently become a major global health concern. The number of early-onset cancer cases worldwide increased from 1.82 million in 1990 to 3.26 million in 2019—an increase of nearly 80% over 30 years. During the same period, cancer-related deaths among people under 40 rose by 27%.

Experts have yet to determine the exact cause of this increase. So far, a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle habits, obesity, dietary changes, and environmental influences is believed to play a role.

Does Lack of Sleep Increase Cancer Risk?

Experts not involved in the study also described the findings as noteworthy. However, they stressed that an observed association between insomnia and cancer does not mean that sleep disorders are a direct cause.

Claire Coughlan, clinical lead at the UK charity Bowel Cancer UK, explained that colorectal cancer remains more common in people over 50. Still, she noted that evidence is accumulating worldwide showing an increase in cases among younger individuals.

“While the exact reasons remain unclear, researchers believe that both genetic and lifestyle factors may contribute,” she said. She added that the study’s findings—suggesting insomnia as a potential risk factor—could help improve understanding of the rise in early-onset cancers.

Dr. David Garley, a general practitioner who runs the Better Sleep Clinic in Bristol, explained that there are several pathways through which sleep deprivation could be linked to cancer risk. Poor sleep may impair immune system recovery and is often associated with unhealthy habits such as increased alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, and smoking.

In such cases, it is possible that these accompanying lifestyle factors—rather than sleep problems themselves—are the actual drivers of increased cancer risk.

Could the Relationship Work the Other Way Around?

The reverse possibility cannot be ruled out. Dr. Garley suggested that undiagnosed cancer may already be developing in the body and could be affecting sleep patterns before diagnosis.

Meghan Winter, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, also noted that the study simply explored whether a link might exist between insomnia and certain cancers in people under 50. She emphasized that longer-term studies are needed to draw firm conclusions.

At this stage, experts agree that sleep deprivation should not be considered a direct cause of cancer. Nevertheless, because sleep plays a crucial role in immune function and overall lifestyle, it remains an important factor that warrants further research in understanding the rise of cancer among younger people.

Winter also highlighted well-established lifestyle recommendations for reducing cancer risk: avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure.

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