Circadian disruption, sleep loss, and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review of epidemiologic studies

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2012 Jul;21(7):1002-11. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-12-0116. Epub 2012 May 7.

Abstract

Disruption of the circadian system has been hypothesized to increase cancer risk, either because of direct disruption of the molecular machinery generating circadian rhythms or because of disruption of parameters controlled by the clock such as melatonin levels or sleep duration. This hypothesis has been studied in hormone-dependent cancers among women, but data are sparse about potential effects of circadian disruption on the risk of prostate cancer. This review systematically examines available data evaluating the effects of light at night, sleep patterns, and night shift work on prostate cancer risk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm*
  • Work Schedule Tolerance*