According to Breast Cancer Options, recent studies reveal that there is a 60 percent increased incidence of breast cancer among night shift workers, and researchers have classified night shift work as a possible carcinogen.

Light exposure at night, such as from computer screens, televisions, and street lamps may factor into up to a three to fivefold increase in breast cancer rates. In fact, light at night is considered a major environmental pollutant that disrupts the natural Circadian rhythm. In nature, a person is exposed to bright sunlight during the day, and almost complete darkness at night, and this light and dark juxtaposition is called the Circadian rhythm. The Circadian rhythm triggers the production of melatonin in darkness at night.

Why does lack of melatonin seem connected to breast cancer? Melatonin is anti-estrogenic, and inhibits its release. (Too much estrogen is a cause of breast cancer.) Melatonin is also a tumor-fighting hormone.

If you live in the city, get excellent shades to block out the shine of street lights and light from others’ windows.

–Much of this information came from BreastCancerOptions.Org.