International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research  |  e-ISSN: 2582-8940  |  Double-Blind Peer Review  |  Open Access  |  CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Current Issues
     2026:7/4

International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research

e-ISSN: 2582-8940 | Open Access

Smart Lighting and Cancer Prevention: Can Technology Help Reduce Health Risks?

Muhammad Waqas, Samra Ilyas, Ejaz Ur Rehman, Shakir Aslam

Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan; Department of Biochemistry, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan; Department of Biomedical Science, University of Chester, United Kingdom

Article Information

Volume / Issue6 / 2 (2025)
Pages44-49
AccessOpen Access

Publication Timeline

  • Received02 March 2025
  • Accepted05 April 2025

Full Text (PDF)

Open Access - Free to Download

Download Full Article (PDF) JATS XML

Abstract

Artificial light at night (ALAN) has become an inescapable component of modern life, shaping environments in homes, workplaces, and urban spaces. While technological advances in lighting have improved visibility and safety, growing epidemiological evidence links chronic exposure to ALAN with increased cancer risk, particularly hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. This review explores the biological mechanisms underlying this association, focusing on circadian rhythm disruption, melatonin suppression, and light-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage. We critically examine epidemiological studies that reinforce these mechanisms and highlight the role of smart lighting technologies in mitigating these risks. Smart lighting systems—featuring tunable LEDs, sensors, and adaptive control—offer a promising solution by aligning artificial lighting with natural circadian patterns. This review evaluates how circadian-optimized lighting designs can preserve melatonin levels, reduce biological stressors, and potentially serve as a non-invasive cancer prevention strategy. Additionally, we address the challenges of implementation, the limitations of current research, and the need for interdisciplinary studies to validate long-term health outcomes. Ultimately, this review emphasizes the importance of leveraging smart lighting innovation not only for energy efficiency and comfort but also as a proactive tool in public health strategies against cancer.

Keywords

Smart LightingArtificial lightCancerDNA DamageLEDsTechnologyHealth Risks

References

  1. Qiang T. The visual production of urban landscape. In: Visual Culture in Contemporary China II. Routledge; 2025:1-41. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  2. Artosi F, et al. Epidemiological and clinical analysis of exposure-related factors in non-melanoma skin cancer: a retrospective cohort study. Environ Res. 2024;247:118117. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  3. Mortazavi SAR, et al. Digital screen time and the risk of female breast cancer: a retrospective matched case-control study. J Biomed Phys Eng. 2024;14(2):169. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  4. Lei T, et al. Molecular mechanisms of artificial light at night affecting circadian rhythm disturbance. Arch Toxicol. 2024;98(2):395-408. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  5. Liu Y, et al. Confounding associations between green space and outdoor artificial light at night: systematic investigations and implications for urban health. Environ Sci Ecotechnol. 2024;21:100436. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  6. Abubakar M. Overview of skin cancer and risk factors. Int J Gen Pract Nurs. 2024;2(3):42-56. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  7. Zhao B, Nepovimova E, Wu Q. The role of circadian rhythm regulator PERs in oxidative stress, immunity, and cancer development. Cell Commun Signal. 2025;23(1):30. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  8. Meléndez-Fernández OH, Liu JA, Nelson RJ. Circadian rhythms disrupted by light at night and mistimed food intake alter hormonal rhythms and metabolism. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(4):3392. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  9. Fishbein AB, Knutson KL, Zee PC. Circadian disruption and human health. J Clin Invest. 2021;131(19). [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  10. Ain QU, et al. Melatonin in oxidative stress management. In: Melatonin. Elsevier; 2024:259-272. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  11. Munsamy AJ, et al. Evidence on the effects of digital blue light on the eye: a scoping review. Afr Vis Eye Health. 2022;81(1):685. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  12. Bujnakova Mlynarcikova A, Scsukova S. The role of the environment in hormone -related cancers. In: Environmental Endocrinology and Endocrine Disruptors: Endocrine and Endocrine-targeted Actions and Related Human Diseases. Springer; 2022:1-36. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  13. Abubakar M, Rehman B. Roles of mutant TP53 gene in cancer development and progression. Proc Anticancer Res. 2024;8(5):165-181. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  14. Majid M, Qayoom A, Haider A. Exploring the role of artificial light and tanning for skin cancer. Indus J Biosci Res. 2024;2(02):1584-1594. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  15. Mezhnina V, et al. Circadian control of mitochondria in reactive oxygen species homeostasis. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2022;37(10-12):647-663. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  16. Chrustek A, Olszewska-Słonina D. Melatonin as a powerful antioxidant. Acta Pharm. 2021;71(3):335-354. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  17. Goodman S, et al. Epigenetic alterations induced by genotoxic occupational and environmental human chemical carcinogens: an update of a systematic literature review. Mutat Res Rev Mutat Res. 2022;789:108408. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  18. Su Z, et al. The influence of circadian rhythms on DNA damage repair in skin photoaging. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(20):10926. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  19. Munteanu C, et al. The relationship between circadian rhythm and cancer disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(11):5846. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  20. Mayer-Pinto M, et al. Light pollution: a landscape-scale issue requiring cross-realm consideration. UCL Open Environ. 2022;4:e036. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  21. Li DD, et al. Circadian rhythms and breast cancer: from molecular level to therapeutic advancements. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2024;150(9):419. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  22. Rehman B, et al. Analysis of genetic alterations in TP53 gene in breast cancer—a secondary publication. Proc Anticancer Res. 2024;8(3):25-35. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  23. Muscogiuri G, et al. Exposure to artificial light at night: a common link for obesity and cancer? Eur J Cancer. 2022;173:263-275. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  24. Yousaf A, et al. Gastric cancer associated risk factors and prevalence in Pakistan. ASEAN J Sci Eng. 2021;1(2):73-78. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  25. Dobrovinskaya O, Alamilla J, Olivas-Aguirre M. Impact of modern lifestyle on circadian health and its contribution to adipogenesis and cancer risk. Cancers. 2024;16(21):3706. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  26. Palomar-Cros A, et al. Indoor and outdoor artificial light at night (ALAN) and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple cancer sites and with a critical appraisal of exposure assessment. Sci Total Environ. 2024;177059. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  27. Moore-Ede M, et al. Lights should support circadian rhythms: evidence-based scientific consensus. Front Photonics. 2023;4:1272934. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  28. Allahverdi Khani M, et al. Melatonin in cancer research: exploring therapeutic potential in counteracting cancer. Canon J Med. 2023;4(3):91-96. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  29. Davis LK, et al. Health effects of disrupted circadian rhythms by artificial light at night. Policy Insights Behav Brain Sci. 2023;10(2):229-236. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  30. Kumar S, et al. Ten questions concerning smart and healthy built environments for older adults. Build Environ. 2023;244:110720. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  31. Bachanek KH, et al. Intelligent street lighting in a smart city concepts—a direction to energy saving in cities: an overview and case study. Energies. 2021;14(11):3018. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  32. Dasari SS, et al. Circadian rhythm disruption as a contributor to racial disparities in prostate cancer. Cancers. 2022;14(20):5116. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  33. Dermody G, et al. Factors affecting clinician readiness to adopt smart home technology for remote health monitoring: systematic review. JMIR Aging. 2024;7(1):e64367. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  34. Wang S, et al. Towards next-generation diagnostic pathology: AI-empowered label-free multiphoton microscopy. Light Sci Appl. 2024;13(1):254. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  35. George AS. Sleep disrupted: the evolving challenge of technology on human sleep patterns over two centuries. Partners Univ Multidiscip Res J. 2024;1(1):83-108. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  36. Elmore LW, et al. Blueprint for cancer research: critical gaps and opportunities. CA Cancer J Cl in. 2021;71(2):107-139. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  37. Wilcox ME, et al. Intensive care unit interventions to promote sleep and circadian biology in reducing incident delirium: a scoping review. Thorax. 2024;79(10):988-997. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  38. Cusack N, et al. Smart wearable sensors for health and lifestyle monitoring: commercial and emerging solutions. ECS Sens Plus. 2024;3(1):017001. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  39. Nieuwenhuijsen M, et al. The Superblock model: a review of an innovative urban model for sustainability, liveability, health and well-being. Environ Res. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research www.allmedicaljournal.com 2024;118550. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  40. Hosseini SN, et al. An architectural solution to a biological problem: a systematic review of lighting designs in healthcare environments. Appl Sci. 2024;14(7):2945. [Google Scholar][Crossref]

How to Cite

Waqas, M., Ilyas, S., Rehman, E. U., & Aslam, S. (2025). Smart Lighting and Cancer Prevention: Can Technology Help Reduce Health Risks?. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 6(2), 44-49. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.2.44-49

Waqas, Muhammad, et al. "Smart Lighting and Cancer Prevention: Can Technology Help Reduce Health Risks?." International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, vol. 6, no. 2, 2025, pp. 44-49. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.2.44-49.

Waqas, M., Ilyas, S., Rehman, E. U. and Aslam, S. (2025) 'Smart Lighting and Cancer Prevention: Can Technology Help Reduce Health Risks?', International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 6(2), pp. 44-49. doi: 10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.2.44-49.

Waqas M, Ilyas S, Rehman EU, Aslam S. Smart Lighting and Cancer Prevention: Can Technology Help Reduce Health Risks?. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research. 2025;6(2):44-49. doi:10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.2.44-49

Similar Articles

Share

Find this Article on

Google Scholar Semantic Scholar OpenAlex Scilit Crossref ResearchGate BASE

A newly published article may take a few days to appear on these services.