Circadian Rhythms and Their Association with Cancer Development

Circadian rhythms are evolutionary shared molecular commandments that play an essential role in maintaining homeostasis by temporarily regulating normal physiological processes; sleep, appetite, body temperature hormone levels, and blood pressure are some of the functions circadian rhythms regulates. Disruption or impediment in transmitting these circadian signals has a detrimental effect on an individual’s health, as it may play an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases such as cancer, where it promotes the development and establishment of cancer hallmarks. In the core of circadian machinery, there is a set of clock genes regulated by complex ubiquitous mechanisms that generate timely signals, which are contrariwise affected by oncogenic factors. This chapter will discuss circadian rhythms and their association with cancer.