Artificial light is ubiquitous and has become a necessity in the modern world. However, studies have shown that excessive exposure to artificial light can affect our health in several ways. One significant aspect is the risk of developing colon cancer.

The artificial light sources that we use every day, including LED lights, fluorescent bulbs, and digital displays, emit blue light that can disrupt the circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances and other health issues. In this article, we will explore how artificial light exposure can contribute to colon cancer risk.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the colon, which is the large intestine. It occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells that form a mass or a tumor in the lining of the colon.

The tumor may grow slowly over many years and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. The risk factors of colon cancer include age, family history, a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in red and processed meat, and inflammatory bowel disease.

What is Artificial Light?

Artificial light refers to any type of lighting that is not natural, such as electrical lighting. Artificial light sources include LED lights, fluorescent bulbs, digital displays, and smartphones.

These sources emit blue light, which is a high-energy wavelength that can penetrate deep into our eyes and affect our body’s natural circadian rhythm. This disruption can lead to several health issues, including sleep disturbances, mood disorders, and even cancer.

How Does Artificial Light Exposure Affect Colon Cancer Risk?

The circadian rhythm is the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, which is controlled by a group of cells in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

The circadian rhythm regulates several physiological processes, including hormone production, cell division, and metabolism. The circadian rhythm is synchronized with the external environment, particularly the light and dark cycles. Exposure to natural light during the day and darkness at night helps keep our circadian rhythm in sync.

However, exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt the circadian rhythm, leading to a misalignment between the internal clock and the external environment.

Studies have shown that this misalignment can alter the expression of certain genes that regulate cell division and DNA repair. This alteration can increase the risk of genetic mutations and, ultimately, cancer development.

The Link Between Blue Light and Colon Cancer

Artificial light sources, particularly those that emit blue light, can suppress melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

Melatonin has several protective properties, including its ability to scavenge free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can damage DNA. When melatonin levels are low, there is an increased risk of DNA damage, which can lead to cancer.

Studies have shown that exposure to blue light at night can increase the risk of colon cancer. For example, a study conducted on night-shift workers found that they had a higher risk of colon cancer than day-shift workers.

Night-shift workers are exposed to artificial light at night, which can disrupt their circadian rhythm.

The Importance of Sleep

Sleep is crucial for maintaining our health, and the circadian rhythm plays a vital role in regulating sleep.

When the circadian rhythm is disrupted by artificial light exposure, sleep disturbances can occur, leading to several health issues, including an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good sleep hygiene, which includes reducing exposure to artificial light at night, particularly blue light.

Reducing Artificial Light Exposure

Reducing artificial light exposure is essential for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm and mitigating the risk of cancer development. Some ways to reduce exposure to artificial light at night are:.

Using warm or dim lights in the evening
Wearing blue light-blocking glasses in the evening
Avoiding exposure to digital screens before bedtime
Using blackout curtains or shades in the bedroom
Avoiding bright lights in the bedroom

Conclusion

Artificial light exposure is a significant risk factor for several health issues, including an increased risk of colon cancer.

Understanding the link between artificial light exposure and cancer risk can help us take steps to reduce our exposure and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. By making small changes to our environment and daily routines, we can reduce our exposure to blue light at night and mitigate the risk of developing colon cancer.