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Prolonged exposure to artificial light and carcinogenesis: A systematic review of oncostatic mechanisms associated with melatonin pathways
Long-term artificial light exposure and cancer risk: a review of how melatonin pathways may slow tumor growth
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Abstract
Eighteen studies indicate a positive link between artificial light at night and breast cancer.
- Prolonged exposure to artificial light at night is associated with melatonin suppression and circadian disruption.
- Night-shift work correlates with increased breast cancer risk and reduced melatonin levels.
- Biological mechanisms implicated in this relationship include interference in the cell cycle, DNA repair issues, oxidative stress, and activation of cancer-related pathways.
- Melatonin suppression may contribute to tumor progression by disrupting circadian genes and causing hormonal imbalance.
- While a consistent association between artificial light exposure and certain cancers exists, methodological variability and confounding factors limit generalization.
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