Increased Incidence of Breast Cancer Due to Long Exposure of Light

Abstract

The disturbed circadian rhythm due to long exposure to varied photo periods or to artificial light during night time (LAN) results in hormonal imbalance. The epidemiological survey indicates a clear difference in the incidence of breast cancer (BC) in countries closer to the poles and to the equator. Long-term exposure to LAN during sleep cycle is found to be the root cause of many health problems. Light dependent conversion of melatonin from serotonin plays a major role in cancer development. In rat model it is shown that levels of melatonin are always inversely proportional to oestradiol in the blood. Melatonin decreases the formation of oestrogens (mitogenic hormone) from androgens via aromatise inhibition. In a pilot study we have shown that in menopausal blind (risk age for BC) women the prevalence of BC is very low (1:169; Risk Rate (RR); Cumulative Risk (CR)35-64 age), compared to sighted women (1:78; CR, 35 - 64 age). Data was collected from a total of 2060 blind subjects (18.8% being <40 years of age and 81.2% above 40 years). Partially blind subjects have 11% greater risk of developing BC than those who are totally blind (RR=1.106; 95% CI=.352 to 3.472). Other established risk factors for BC are ineffective in blind. The blind women model (proposed in this study) suggests that dark hours are essential in our daily routine. By management of proper circadian rhythms better management of various endocrine diseases including hormone dependent cancers can be achieved.