Cancer and Internal Clock: The Connection

The circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep, hormones, metabolism, and the immune system, is increasingly linked to cancer development.

Disruptions in the circadian rhythm, caused by sleep problems, exposure to light at night, and irregular eating habits, have been associated with altered gene expressions in tissues such as the lung, breast, and colon.

A study in Nature Immunology examined the contribution of circadian disruptions to colon cancer development and how medicine related to the biology of time could aid in chemotherapy.

Strategies for maintaining the circadian rhythm include consistent sleep and meal times, limiting night work, and restricting food intake to a 6-12 hour window during the day.

The frequency of cancer has increased since the 1970s, especially in young people aged 15-39, with early-onset colon cancer showing the greatest increase. Exposure to artificial light at night can suppress melatonin production, disrupting sleep and circadian rhythms.

Chronotherapy, the administration of cancer therapies based on the internal clock, may improve drug tolerance and treatment effectiveness.