Sleep apnea has been linked to a higher risk of cancer.  

That’s according to two new studies done by Spanish researchers and the University of Wisconsin.

Researchers found that people with severe sleep apnea were at nearly five-times the risk of cancer.

Study author Dr. Javier Nieto, with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health said that the study originated from previous research that found that skin cancer tumors grew faster in mice that were periodically deprived of oxygen.

The author of the study at the University of Wisconsin says treating the condition in cancer patients will increase odds for survival.  

The disease has already been linked to several health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

Read more on this study here, http://news.yahoo.com/sleep-apnea-linked-higher-cancer-death-risk-160608540.html