"Overall, these patterns highlight an important shift: while progress has been made in reducing mortality, cancer is increasingly being diagnosed earlier in life, reinforcing the importance of prevention, awareness and timely screening," says Dr. Brian Helfand, MD, Ph.D., a urologic oncologist at Endeavor Health.
"Rather than thinking of cancer as something random, understanding risk factors helps to see it as the result of many influences adding up, including lifestyle, environment and biology," he tells Parade. "When a person understands their risks, they can take practical steps to lower them, such as adjusting daily habits or staying on top of recommended screenings."
Related: ‘I Was Diagnosed With Stage IV Colorectal Cancer at 26—I Wish I Took This Early Symptom More Seriously’
Oncologists Say This Is #1 Cancer Risk Factor No One Talks About
Mystockimages/Getty Images
Another oncologist echoes these sentiments. "In a very basic sense, cancer is a result of the body’s inability to eliminate mistakes that occur during natural cell growth," explains Dr. Kathryn M. Eckert, DO, a breast surgical oncologist for Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Still, we do have some data. For instance, a 2023 study of more than 78,000 people published in Public Health suggested a link between poor overall quality scores, including for people with insomnia and who snore, and an increased risk of overall and site-specific cancers, such as breast and kidney cancer. The American Cancer Society says more research is needed, but also points to research indicating that poor sleep can contribute to a person's cancer odds.
We hate to give you another reason to toss and turn, but oncologists warn that not getting enough sleep can raise cancer risks. Understanding why is one step toward action.
That's an issue because the body needs to get to sleep so it can naturally repair cells.
Melatonin isn't the only hormone affected by sleep. "Sleep is important for decreasing stress and stress hormones, regulating the repair of DNA that occurs naturally in people, and generally promotes a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining ideal body weight," Dr. Stopeck adds.
2. Poor sleep can affect your immune system
We often think of the immune system as something that protects us from colds, but we also need to keep it strong to help us ward off chronic diseases, like cancer. Poor sleep can weaken the immune system.
Our bodies need some inflammation to heal, but too much of it can, over time, increase cancer odds.
4. Sleep deprivation can lead to other poor lifestyle choices
It's hard to cook for yourself, and it's easy to grab ultraprocessed convenience-store options when you're exhausted. Exercising after hitting "snooze" 12 times? Not likely. Yet, diet and exercise are critical components of cancer prevention.
Related: Oncologists Say This Popular Air Fryer Mistake Could Increase Cancer Risk
How To Get Better Sleep
Alcohol helps you fall asleep fast, but the sedative effect is misleading. Dr. Eckert points out that alcohol can decrease the amount of time you spend in the all-important restorative sleep.
Related: This 3-Minute Habit Could Help You Sleep Through the Night
2. Stick to a schedule
"Keeping a consistent sleep schedule is one of the most effective ways to improve sleep quality," Dr. Helfand says. "Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your internal clock, making it easier for your body to know when it’s time to wind down and when it’s time to wake up."
Related: Want To Sleep Better? This Is the Best Time of Day To Take Magnesium, Experts Say
4. Create a sleep den
"Darkness signals your body to produce melatonin, cooler temperatures help initiate sleep and a quiet setting reduces interruptions that can pull you out of important sleep stages," he explains. "Together, these habits help the body carry out the overnight repair work that supports long-term health."
5. Get tested for sleep disorders
"Effective treatments are available and can improve both sleep quality and overall health," he emphasizes.
Not getting enough sleep may increase cancer risk, but it's not the only thing to be mindful of. "Many cancer risk factors are within a person’s control, and these are often the most impactful over time," Dr. Helfand says. "Making gradual, consistent improvements in these areas can meaningfully reduce risk."
Tobacco useAlcohol intakeDiet qualityPhysical activityBody weightSun exposureSleep habits
Related: Oncologists Are Begging You To Stop Making This Microwave Mistake Immediately
AgeGeneticsFamily historyCertain past environmental exposures.
"While you can’t change these, knowing about them is still powerful as it allows you and your care team to personalize the patient's screening plan and stay vigilant for early signs of disease," he shares.
Related: ‘I’m a Gastroenterologist—Here’s What I Eat To Help Prevent Colon Cancer'
Sources:
Dr. Brian Helfand, MD, Ph.D., a urologic oncologist at Endeavor HealthAnnual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program.Colorectal cancer statistics, 2026. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.Self-reported sleep disorders and the risk of all cancer types: evidence from the Kailuan Cohort study. Public Health.Does Sleep Affect Cancer Risk? American Cancer Society.Dr. Kathryn M. Eckert, DO, a breast surgical oncologist for Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical CenterDr. Alison Stopeck, MD, the associate director of clinical and translational research at the Stony Brook Cancer CenterMelatonin suppresses PD-L1 expression and exerts antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nature.Psychological stress and cancer: new evidence of an increasingly strong link. Translational Medicine@UniSa. ACS Annual Statistics Report: Milestone 70 Percent 5-Year Survival Rate for all Cancers Combined; Largest Gains for Advanced and Fatal Cancers. American Cancer Society.Amount and intensity of daily total physical activity, step count and risk of incident cancer in the UK Biobank. British Journal of Sports Medicine.Hence then, the article about oncologists say this is the 1 cancer risk factor no one talks about was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Oncologists Say This Is the 1 Cancer Risk Factor No One Talks About )
Also on site :