breast cancer and melatonin

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   bcrecoveryposted 13 years ago

   Lights at night inhibit melatonin secretion. Studies have shown that reduced levels of melatonin which occur in children who sleep with the light on, or women who work night shifts, increase the risk of child leukaemia and breast cancer. Melatonin is a natural sleep-inducing hormone secreted in the pineal gland, a pea-sized gland in the mid-brain that is activated and depressed by darkness and light respectively. Melatonin supplements are commonly used to combat jet lag and insomnia and to alleviate depression. Melatonin was also found to be a powerful antioxidant, boosting the immune system by stimulating the production of immune cells, protecting DNA and preventing heart disease and cancer.

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      Rochelle Frankposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting ideas. Do you have any studies or citations to back this up? With some research this could be a good hub.

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         couturepopcafeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         It's really coincidental that you're saying this.  I just heard this for the first time today.  There is a link between lack of melatonin and both breast and prostate cancers.  I heard it from Dr. Becker and BioInnovations.

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   MPG Narrativesposted 13 years ago

   Yes very interesting. I have a friend who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer (so sad) and she suffers from insomnia, has for years. She is usually up at night in front of computer/TV or reading. I would like to see if there is a connection??

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      Just Ask Susanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I am a breast cancer survivor and have always had sleeping problems. Never knew about the possible connection. Interesting!

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   supplem forposted 12 years ago

   Well for all women with breast cancer is a terrible disease. In our country, Lithuania, are carried out preventive screening for breast cancer free. Of course conducted for older women because the risk is higher.

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   Lisa HWposted 12 years ago

   The thing with the pineal gland and some types of light (like the monitor) has also been connected to things like premature aging, depression, and any number of other conditions.  It would make a good Hub, and there's lots of information on it out there.
   
   Of course, lack of sleep, itself, has also been blamed for a lot of medical conditions; and it doesn't do much for the immune system either.  Vitamin D deficiency is another one blamed for a lot of medical problems.

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