Sleep apnea may lead to lung cancer at young ageSleep apnea or simply a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts, can lead to the growth of lung cancer growth in young individuals. New Delhi: Turns out, sleep apnea or simply a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts, can lead to the growth of lung cancer growth in young individuals. Also Read: Here's how sleep pattern during infancy affects long-term obesityThe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a chronic disease which affects about the 10 per cent of the adult population worldwide. The new study represents a scientific advance within the research line of the potential effects of obstructive sleep apnea in cancer. Also Read: Inadequate sleep may fuel cardiovascular diseases in menAccording to Isaac Almendros, a researcher, "We should consider the importance of the research conducted on animals aged equally to patients with respiratory chronic diseases, such as obstructive sleep apnea.