Can Artificial Light Lead to Breast Cancer?

New research points to artificial light because of the striking rise of breast cancer all through 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 mounting breast cancer rates in countries that are wealthy may be caused by light. The wealthier countries are five times more likely to have women build up breast cancer.

Causes of Breast Cancer

Most breast cancers can be explained by family history, unsanitary eating habits, drinking alcohol, and reproductive factors such as being childless or not having children until late in life. Scientists consider evidence is building that too much light during the hours of darkness could be the cause 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 on the verge of develop breast cancer. Researchers state that even staying up late two to three nights a week are also more vulnerable to increasing breast cancer. However, blind women have half the chance of vanishing 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.

Melatonin – A Study

One of the greatest defenses we have against cancer is melatonin. Melatonin is concealed 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 contact to light speeded up the cancer growth. The outcome of these laboratory tests shows that tumors are awake during the day and asleep at night.

This may have a striking impact on people who are already at high risk for developing breast cancer. Knowing you are at risk and changing your lifestyle to lessen 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 outbreak would have a marked effect on career choices and lifestyle habits. Allowing our body to continue 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.