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In a groundbreaking study published in The Lancet, researchers have unveiled a significant link between treating insomnia and improving survival rates in high-grade ovarian cancer patients. The study also suggests the potential for insomnia treatment to play a preventive role against the onset of ovarian cancer.
As cancer incidence and prevalence continue to rise globally, there is an urgent need to explore new avenues to enhance patient survival and quality of life. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder among cancer patients, has emerged as a critical focus area.
“Sleep disorders are common among cancer patients. It may be a sleepless or abnormal sleep-wake cycle; probably more than half of the patients are affected. The patient’s quality of life is negatively impacted,” explained Dr. Karthik K S, Consultant Surgical Oncology at KMC Hospital, Mangalore, in an interview with IANS. He emphasized that the psychological toll of cancer, including anxiety and depression, often contributes to sleep disturbances.
Dr. Karthik further elaborated that physical symptoms like pain and pressure from the cancer, as well as treatment side effects such as nausea and vomiting, can exacerbate sleep problems. This underscores the multifaceted nature of insomnia in cancer care.
Dr. M.A. Raja, Director & Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology at MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai, highlighted the broader implications of sleep disorders on cancer prognosis. “Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, are known to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and negatively affect their prognosis,” he stated. Dr. Raja pointed out that sleep is intricately involved in endocrine, metabolic, and immunoregulatory pathways, which are also implicated in various cancers. These shared pathways might explain the heightened risk of sleep disturbances among cancer patients.
The impact of insomnia extends beyond physical health, affecting mental well-being and treatment adherence. Poor sleep can lead to deteriorating mental health, further complicating the patient’s ability to cope with the rigors of cancer treatment.
Dr. Kinjal, another expert cited in the study, stressed the potential benefits of targeted interventions. “Developing tailored interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, could potentially improve outcomes for ovarian cancer patients by promoting better sleep and bolstering resilience against the disease,” she suggested.
This study opens a promising new front in the battle against ovarian cancer. By addressing insomnia, healthcare providers could not only enhance the quality of life for patients but also improve survival rates, providing a dual benefit that underscores the importance of comprehensive cancer care strategies.
