Breast cancer in industrialized countries is
rising at an epidemic rate, and women who work the late shift have higher rates of breast cancer. What do these two
facts have in common? Artificial light at night. Like our
ancestors, we do not go to bed when the sun goes down. With the advent of electricity and artificial light at night, we
can stay up very late, and this extra exposure to nighttime light is creating an imbalance of melatonin, an important hormone, with the innate ability to suppress
the growth of breast tumors. Breast tumors are dependent on a nutrient called linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, in order to grow.
Melatonin interferes with the tumor’s ability to use linoleic acid as a growth signal, which causes tumor
metabolism and growth activity to shut down. This appears to be an 'out-of-sync with the natural cycles of light and
dark' problem. Daytime light does not create an imbalance of melatonin levels.Note: The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or substitute for professional care. For medical emergencies, dial 911!
Artificial light stimulates breast cancer growth
Breast cancer in industrialized countries is
rising at an epidemic rate, and women who work the late shift have higher rates of breast cancer. What do these two
facts have in common? Artificial light at night. Like our
ancestors, we do not go to bed when the sun goes down. With the advent of electricity and artificial light at night, we
can stay up very late, and this extra exposure to nighttime light is creating an imbalance of melatonin, an important hormone, with the innate ability to suppress
the growth of breast tumors. Breast tumors are dependent on a nutrient called linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, in order to grow.
Melatonin interferes with the tumor’s ability to use linoleic acid as a growth signal, which causes tumor
metabolism and growth activity to shut down. This appears to be an 'out-of-sync with the natural cycles of light and
dark' problem. Daytime light does not create an imbalance of melatonin levels.
