Can Artificial Light Lead to Breast Cancer?
Post date: December 21st, 2008New research points to artificial light because of the dramatic rise of breast cancer throughout the world. Researchers have long believed that artificial light during the night could lead to breast cancer. It is thought that artificial light interferes with the normal sleep pattern. Studies show rising breast cancer rates in countries that are wealthy may be caused by light. The wealthier countries are five times more likely to have women develop breast cancer.
Most breast cancers can be explained by family history, unhealthy eating habits, drinking alcohol, and reproductive factors such as being childless or not having children until late in life. Scientists believe evidence is building that too much light during the hours of darkness could be the reason for the surge in breast cancer.
It has long been known that nurses, night shift workers, and flight attendants are more than 60 percent more likely to develop breast cancer. Researchers state that even staying up late two to three nights a week are also more susceptible to developing breast cancer. However, blind women have half the chance of dying of breast cancer.
Research by the National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Environmental Health Scientists conducted research that confirms studies showing that modern life interferes with normal sleep cycles. The body was developed to be awake and active during daylight hours, and sleeping during the nighttime hours. In our society, we have factory workers who work swing shifts; businesses open 24 hours a day, and lights on nearly 24 hours a day in some homes because of work schedules.
One of the greatest defenses we have against cancer is melatonin. Melatonin is secreted at night by the pineal glands, especially in the early hours of the morning. Light will stop this process and make the body believe it is daytime. Melatonin is called the “hormone of darkness.” This hormone aids in controlling our moods and our feeling of good mental health.
During this study, scientists grafted breast cancer tumors from women on to rats. They then infused blood that was taken from women during the day and from those that were exposed to light in the night. The results were outstanding. The blood taken in darkness showed the cancer growth by 80 percent. The blood that was taken during exposure to light speeded up the cancer growth. The result of these laboratory tests shows that tumors are awake during the day and asleep at night.
This may have a dramatic impact on people who are already at high risk for developing breast cancer. Knowing you are at risk, and changing your lifestyle to reduce that risk could keep you from developing this disease. Researchers who conducted this study state that looking at electric light, as the reason for the breast-cancer epidemic would have a marked effect on career choices and lifestyle habits. Allowing our body to stay in its natural rhythm could decrease your chances of developing breast cancer. It’s a simple formula, stay awake during the day and sleep at night when the body was designed to rest.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.