IL6 and cancer: OSA increases systemic inflammation with increased levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α).35 36 Systemic inflammation has been linked to the risk of cancer/cancer development but also tumour growth.37 In addition, a low degree of inflammation has been identified in adipocytes which may contribute to the overall increased inflammation in obesity.