The body's melatonin levels are controlled by the presence of light. Melatonin levels increase at night, when it is dark; however, they may remain low in the presence of artificial light. According to the article "Low Melatonin Associated with Increased Risk of Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women" published by ScienceDaily, "Researchers have found that low melatonin levels in premenopausal women are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer."
Women in industrialized nations, such as the United States, are at a greater risk for developing breast cancer. The National Institute of Health published the article "New Research Shows Artificial Light at Night Stimulates Breast Cancer Growth in Laboratory Mice" reporting the Bassett Research Institute's discovery of the effects of melatonin on cancer. They found that exposure to artificial lighting during the nighttime hours maintained lower melatonin levels. Women who work the night shift have a greater occurrence of breast cancer. Women exposed to longer periods of darkness were less likely to develop breast cancer.
Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid has been used for fighting cancer. However, the lead author of the Bassett Research Institute study, David Blask, M.D., Ph.D. says, "We know that many tumors are largely 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."
They tested this theory by injecting melatonin-rich blood into cancer tumors. Tumor growth was significantly slowed. The addition of blood with low melatonin levels increased the rate of tumor growth.
Linoleic acid cannot be avoided, however. It is an essential fatty acid that has many benefits for the body, including cardiovascular benefits. Alpha linoleic acid is an antioxidant that can fight cancer, whereas conjugated linoleic acid can promote cancer growth.
The difference between the different linoleic acids is the placement of an atom or branch of atoms, while the basic chemical structure remains the same. The shape of a chemical greatly affects its role in the body, which is why different linoleic acids can have opposite effects.
Increasing Melatonin Levels
It is important to minimize exposure to artificial light at night. Going to bed at a regular hour, each night, can establish a normal circadian rhythm, which is the sleep-wake cycle. If getting out of bed in the middle of the night is necessary, avoiding turning on lights, other than night lights, will keep melatonin levels from dropping to an abnormal level for that time of night.
It is important to keep the bedroom as dark as possible throughout the night. Night lights should be reserved for hallways and bathrooms. Use blinds to minimize light from outside.
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