Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women globally.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide.

A significant amount of research has been carried out into the behavior of breast cancer cells, including their potential to become more aggressive at night.

The Circadian Rhythm’s Impact on Breast Cancer Cells

Our body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, governs our sleep-wake cycle.

The circadian rhythm is directly linked to the regulation of various physiological processes, including hormone secretion, body temperature, blood pressure, and cellular metabolism.

Some studies have suggested that breast cancer cells may become more aggressive depending on the time of day due to the disruption of the circadian rhythm.

Disruption of the circadian rhythm could mean that certain physiological processes do not occur as they usually should, which can, in turn, lead to the progression of cancer.

It can also lead to changes in gene expression, which can significantly impact cellular function and capacity.

Research studies on breast cancer cells’ behavior at night

A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the time of day in which breast cancer cells were exposed to medication had an impact on the efficacy of the treatment.

The study concluded that patients with breast cancer who were treated early in the day had a more favorable response to therapy than those treated in the evening.

Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that disruptions to the body’s internal clock can cause the acceleration of cancer progression and reduced treatment efficacy, highlighting the need for ‘chronomodulated’ therapy that takes into account the time of day of medication administration.

What factors lead the circadian rhythm to be disrupted?

Several aspects can disrupt our body’s internal clock, leading to changes in our circadian rhythm. The most significant factor is exposure to light.

Receptors in our eyes detect light, and this light is then sent to the suprachiasmatic nucleus in our brains, which is responsible for regulating the circadian rhythm.

Researchers have found that exposure to light at night, particularly blue light emitted by electronic devices, can significantly alter the body’s internal clock, leading to a host of health problems, including cancer.

What can be done to mitigate the risk of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a complex disease that may depend on many environmental, genetic, and hormonal factors. While the precise cause of breast cancer is still unknown, several measures can be taken measures to lower the risk of developing it, including:.

Engaging in regular exercise
Maintaining a healthy diet
Limiting alcohol consumption
Avoiding exposure to radiation and environmental toxins
Regular breast exams, including mammograms
Self-conducting breast examinations regularly
In some cases, chemopreventive medication

Conclusion

While it is still unclear if breast cancer cells become more aggressive at night, there is growing research that highlights the impact of the circadian rhythm on our overall health and well-being.

Patients who have breast cancer should speak with their healthcare providers about the timing of their medication and how best to manage the potential impact on their circadian rhythms.