The Association of Sleep Trouble and Physical Inactivity with Breast Cancer Risk in Nova Scotia: Evidence from the Atlantic PATH Cohort

Authors: Cindy Feng, Ellen Sweeney Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Abstract: Breast cancer is a major public health concern, and modifiable health behaviors such as sleep quality and physical activity may influence risk. This study examined the associations between self-reported sleep trouble, sleep duration, and physical activity with breast cancer incidence in a prospective longitudinal cohort of 10,305 females from Nova Scotia. Breast cancer cases were identified through record linkage to the Nova Scotia Cancer Registry. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), accounting for sociodemographic factors, reproductive history, comorbidities, and other health behaviors. Frequent sleep trouble (“all of the time”) was significantly associated with increased odds of breast cancer (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.09–5.34, p = 0.03), while no significant associations were observed between sleep duration and breast cancer risk. High physical activity was significantly associated with a lower risk of breast cancer (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.39–0.86, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that frequent sleep disturbances may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, while high physical activity appears to be linked to a lower risk of breast cancer. Further research is needed to explore these relationships and their underlying mechanisms. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040471

New Article – The Association of Sleep Trouble and Physical Inactivity with Breast Cancer Risk in Nova Scotia

Congratulations to Dr. Cindy Feng on her new article, “The Association of Sleep Trouble and Physical Inactivity with Breast Cancer Risk in Nova Scotia: Evidence from the Atlantic PATH Cohort.” Breast cancer is a major public health concern, and modifiable health behaviors such as sleep quality and physical activity may influence risk. This study examined the associations between self-reported sleep trouble, sleep duration, and physical activity with breast cancer incidence in a prospective longitudinal cohort of 10,305 females from Nova Scotia. This work is part of Dr. Feng’s ongoing research with Atlantic PATH focused on predictive modeling and geographical analysis of cancer incidence in Atlantic Canada.  

CanPath data sheds light on air pollution’s hidden role in rheumatic disease

Air pollution isn’t just a lung issue. It has far-reaching effects on immune function and autoimmune diseases. CanPath’s vast dataset offers researchers a unique opportunity to explore these connections and advance air pollution and autoimmune disease research. Air pollution is often associated with respiratory conditions, but emerging research reveals its impact extends beyond the lungs, influencing immune system function and contributing to autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. Understanding these connections is critical for disease prevention, treatment, and public health strategies. Dr. Sasha Bernatsky, a rheumatologist and epidemiologist, has been at the forefront of this research. Her work highlights how air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), may act as an environmental trigger for immune dysfunction. CanPath, Canada’s largest population health study, provides researchers with the data needed to examine these links in depth. How air pollution affects the immune system and autoimmune disease Air pollutants include PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, and other entities. PM2.5 can enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation. While air pollution’s effects on respiratory conditions like asthma and lung cancer are well documented, its role in autoimmune diseases is a newer area of investigation. “One of the really cool things about these kinds of analyses was that it provided one of the first indications that air pollution may affect the immune system,” said Dr. Bernatsky. “Prior to these kinds of analyses, we had good data on what happens when you are exposed to PM2.5 in terms of asthma risk or lung cancer. That makes sense because you breathe in the air, and there’s a local effect. But this was one of the first analyses looking at a totally different kind of disease. It convinced people at Health Canada’s air health effects assessment division that, indeed, you can have health effects far beyond just the lung.” This growing body of research underscores the need for large-scale, longitudinal data to better understand the full spectrum of air pollution’s impact on immune-mediated conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus. CanPath’s role in advancing rheumatic disease research Arthritis data resources in CanPath: Biosamples, genotyping, and self-reported diagnoses for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other forms CanPath’s large-scale, longitudinal dataset is an invaluable resource for researchers undertaking air pollution and autoimmune disease research. By linking environmental exposure data to genetic, lifestyle, and health information, CanPath enables scientists to explore how air pollution contributes to immune-mediated diseases over time. “CanPath serum samples and data were extremely helpful,” Dr. Bernatsky emphasized. “In fact, I just don’t see any way we could have done what we did without CanPath.”  Dr. Trevor Dummer, an expert in environmental health, reflected on the study’s evolution and its potential for continued discoveries: “It’s nice to see some of those results because I can think back to many, many years ago. You know, CanPath has been going for 15 years. Now it’s a considerable amount of time. I recall the early collaboration, so it’s great to see the fruits of all of those labours.” This extensive dataset allows researchers to track patterns over time, assessing how long-term exposure to air pollution affects disease development and progression. Implications for future research and public health The insights gained from CanPath’s data have the potential to: Inform air quality policies and environmental regulations Improve public health strategies for reducing autoimmune disease risks Enlighten scientific, patient and physician groups regarding immune-mediated disease etiology As air pollution remains a global concern, leveraging large-scale datasets will be key to understanding and mitigating its impact. Researchers can utilize CanPath data linked with environmental exposure data from the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium (CANUE) to investigate immune-mediated diseases and the environment. Explore available datasets and application processes on the CanPath Portal By continuing to explore how pollution influences immune-mediated disease, researchers can also help shape policies and interventions that protect both individual and population health. For those looking to advance this work, CanPath data is invaluable for uncovering new insights in environmental and autoimmune disease research.

Synthetic Dataset Workshop (In-Person in Toronto)

Synthetic Dataset Workshop (In-Person in Toronto) Date: June 24, 2025 Time: 9:00 am- 4:30pm Location: Centre for Research and Innovation Support Register for the workshop Join us for an exclusive hands-on workshop on the CanPath Synthetic Dataset, designed for faculty, researchers, and trainees looking to explore Canada’s largest population health dataset. This workshop will introduce participants to Lifebit’s cloud-based platform and provide practical training on analyzing synthetic health data. What is the CanPath Synthetic Dataset? The CanPath Synthetic Dataset is a versatile resource designed for research, education, and practical applications. It was manipulated to mimic CanPath’s nationally harmonized data but does not include or reveal actual data of any CanPath participants. Interested in exploring the data? Check out the CanPath Data Dictionary. What is the Trusted Research Environment? The Trusted Research Environment (TRE) is a secure, cloud-based platform where researchers can access and analyze CanPath data without downloading it to their local machines. The TRE ensures data privacy and security, providing a controlled environment for conducting research while offering powerful tools for analysis. Participants in this workshop will learn how to navigate and use the TRE efficiently. Lifebit, CanPath and AWS have collaborated to bring this platform to life. Who should attend? This workshop is open to: Faculty/staff using the dataset for education (e.g., incorporating it into a course assignment). Faculty/staff using the dataset for training purposes (e.g., teaching trainees how to analyze population health data or preparing to apply for real CanPath data access). Trainees (e.g., postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students) interested in learning how to work with CanPath data. Learning objectives By the end of the workshop, participants will: Navigate and analyze the CanPath Synthetic Dataset using the Lifebit cloud-based platform. Work with pre-created analytical pipelines in R and Python (basic familiarity required). Understand how to bring in additional data and use platform tools such as the Cohort Browser, Airlock, and Data Factory. Gain insights from real-world case studies and demonstrations from CanPath experts. Connect with fellow researchers, instructors, and clinician scientists to foster future collaborations. Agenda The final agenda will be sent to attendees prior to the event. Time Session 9:00 AM Introduction to CanPath, Lifebit, staff and attendees 9:30 AM Training on the Lifebit platform and guided exercise 11:00 AM Coffee Break 11:15 AM Demonstration and case studies with CanPath data 12:00 PM Lunch Break 1:00 PM Hands-on analyses in the platform 2:30 PM Discussion: key learnings and future data strategy 3:30 PM Snacks and networking reception Additional support Need extra help? Attendees can attend Office Hours to get one-on-one support from Lifebit and CanPath experts. Participants can book sessions for personalized assistance. The location, date, and time will be announced soon. How to apply Participants must fill out an application to be considered. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Initial deadline: March 28 Space is limited! Apply early for the best chance of securing a spot.

The Government of Canada highlights progress on breast cancer screening research and implementation in Canada

News release Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. One in eight women in Canada is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Raising awareness of breast cancer screening, which aims to detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage, is a priority for the Government of Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the health of women by addressing knowledge gaps in breast cancer screening and prevention. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), in collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial experts and stakeholders, hosted the event Closing the Gap: Action for Equity in Breast Cancer Screening. This event discussed improving accessibility and inclusivity in breast cancer screening, especially for underserved populations. Participants shared lessons learned and best practices that will be compiled into a resource guide that will be shared broadly across all jurisdictions to help improve equitable implementation of breast cancer screening in Canada. PHAC is working closely with Statistics Canada to conduct analyses of national cancer trends, including examining differences in breast cancer rates based on where people live, their age and ethnicity. This will support informed and data driven breast cancer screening policy. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and partners have developed a multi-disciplinary roadmap that identifies research gaps for breast cancer screening and provides recommendations to guide future research activities in Canada. The roadmap summarizes what was heard from partners alongside key research areas and strategies to support breast cancer research in Canada. The Government of Canada is also working directly with our partners, like the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health and the Canadian Cancer Society, to generate better data to inform breast cancer screening practices and raise awareness of its importance in Canada. Together, these initiatives support collaborative and scientific research, data collection, and public health guidance for breast cancer screening in Canada. Quotes “I would like to thank our partners and stakeholders for their commitment to overcome barriers and improve access to breast cancer screening in Canada. Awareness and access to breast cancer screening will make life changing differences for the health of Canadians.” The Honourable Mark Holland Minister of Health “Breast cancer touches the lives of so many, either through a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one. Through this work and the dedication of our partners, we are taking important steps to safeguard women’s physical and mental health.” The Honourable Ya’ara Saks Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health Quick facts Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women living in Canada, after non-melanoma skin cancer. While it can also be found in men, male breast cancer is a very rare occurrence. Breast cancer screening is used to detect cancer in people who do not have any signs or symptoms. This differs from diagnostic testing, which is used when someone does have signs or symptoms (e.g., a lump). The Government of Canada recognizes and respects that each province and territory has unique needs and different approaches to breast cancer screening. Provincial and territorial governments are responsible for diagnosis, treatment, services, programming and education. Associated links Canadian Cancer Society – Get your mammogram Canadian Partnership For Tomorrow’s Health Government of Canada invests in breast cancer research and public awareness Contacts Matthew Kronberg Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Mark Holland Minister of Health 343-552-5654 Callum Haney Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health 343-576-4407 Media Relations Health Canada 613-957-2983 media@hc-sc.gc.ca Public Inquiries 613-957-2991 1-866-225-0709