Body Clock Rhythms May Influence Breast Cancer Spread and Timing of Treatments

Circadian disruption is associated with a 78% higher risk of breast cancer for individuals with long-term night shifts.

• Circadian rhythms regulate up to 43% of genes, influencing breast cancer progression.
• Disruptions from shift work, light-at-night exposure, and social jetlag are linked to increased breast cancer risk and metastasis.
• Molecular mechanisms show that different breast cancer subtypes exhibit specific alterations in clock genes.
• Temporal regulation of processes like cell invasion and niche preparation is disrupted by circadian misalignment.
• Chronotherapy, which involves timing cancer treatments to match circadian rhythms, may enhance effectiveness and reduce side effects.
• Wearable technology could provide biomarkers for personalized interventions, particularly for shift workers.

Simplified