Scientists have discovered that totally blind women had a 36 per cent lower risk of breast cancer compared with sighted women. Women who became blind relatively early in life (before the age of 65) appeared to be especially protected against breast cancer, with incidence rates 49 per cent below those of sighted women.

Only total blindness, not visual impairment, seemed to protect against breast cancer. According to the authors, this supports the theory that increased night-time exposure to artificial light reduces melatonin levels, altering estrogen secretion rates and raising the risks of breast cancer.

Melatonin, which is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and plays an important role in the body’s sleep cycle, is thought to influence the secretion of estrogen. The latter in turn affects the risk of cancer.

Blind women are by definition unreceptive to light. However they maintain high melatonin production at night regardless of external light conditions. The British Journal of Cancer (March 2001; 84:397-399) added that researchers believe that this may be the mechanism whereby blind women are protected from breast cancer.

Information provided is courtesy of and compiled by the Academy of Anti-aging Research staff, editors, and other reports.

This study reaffirms other studies showing similar results. Sleep in total darkness is more beneficial. Also stay at least 5 to 10 feet away from any appliances that can emit electromagnetic force (such as electrical lamps that are not turned on, electrical alarm clocks, telephones etc).