The digital era has exposed young people to a long period of screen exposure often accompanied by chronic stress. Even though technology provides many benefits, overuse threatens to become a serious health risk. Excessive screen time and stress are emerging as possible risk factors for cancer, thus requiring immediate attention.

A Connection Between Excessive Screen Time and Cancer
Long-term exposure to the screen, especially at night, interferes with the circadian rhythm by inhibiting the production of melatonin, a hormone that plays an important role in sleep regulation and immune function. Light emitted from the screens enters the retina, suppressing the production of melatonin by it, lowering the immune surveillance against malignant cells. Low levels of melatonin have been linked to increased risks of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Disruption of circadian rhythm will also bring oxidative stress and DNA mutations, which support tumorigenesis. Chronic exposure to screens also provokes metabolic dysregulation, thus increasing cancer susceptibility through systemic inflammation and impaired cellular repair mechanisms.

The Impact of Stress on Cancer Progression
Chronic stress plays an important role in cancer progression through dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the consequent secretion of cortisol for extended periods. Cortisol elevates and suppresses immune surveillance by reducing the cytotoxic activity of T-cells and natural killer cells. The activation of the sympathetic nervous system caused by stress increases the rate of angiogenesis and promotes metastasis by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinases. Long-term stress also promotes systemic inflammation, enhancing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, which promotes tumor growth and resistance to apoptosis. Reducing stress is an important strategy in controlling cancer progression and improving patient outcomes.

The Synergistic Effect of Screen Time and Stress
Excessive screen time and chronic stress synergistically increase the risk of cancer in young populations. Long-term exposure to screens leads to physical inactivity and disruption of circadian rhythms, which suppresses melatonin, impairs immune surveillance, and increases oncogenesis. Simultaneously, chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, elevates cortisol levels, promotes systemic inflammation, and fosters tumorigenesis. This dual burden increases oxidative stress, in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause DNA damage, lead to genetic mutations, and promote cellular senescence, thus enhancing the vulnerability of cells to malignant transformation and carcinogenesis.

Preventive Measures
It is essential to realize the significance of lifestyle modifications that will help minimize risks of cancer that are linked to excessive screen time and stress. Limiting young people's screen time, particularly before bed, can also have a balancing effect on their circadian rhythms, which would ensure better sleep. Regular exercise decreases stress and strengthens the immune system, thus reducing the possibility of cancer. Teaching stress management, including mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques, can help decrease cortisol levels and increase general well-being.
In short, even though screen time and stress may appear to be unrelated health problems, their synergistic effects on cancer risk are increasingly alarming. Young people need to be informed of these risks and nudged towards healthier lifestyles that can protect them against long-term health problems and the onset of cancer.

Inputs by: Dr. Priya Tiwari, Head - Medical Oncology, Artemis Hospitals