Tablets, smartphones, and other devices often emit what is known as blue light. A new study has uncovered that exposure to blue light at night may be linked to a higher risk of breast and prostate cancer.
The researchers at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health reviewed data from over 4,000 persons aged 20 to 85 from 11 different Spanish regions, all without breast or prostate cancer. They assessed exposure to artificial light both indoors and outdoors using questionnaires and nocturnal images taken by astronauts on the International Space Station.
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The results revealed that those with the highest exposure to blue light had a greater risk of developing breast cancer or prostate cancer compared to those with less exposure to blue light.
Study coordinator Manolis Kogevinas explained, “WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified night shift work as probably carcinogenic to humans. There is evidence pointing to an association between exposure to artificial light at night, disruption of the circadian rhythm, and breast and prostate cancers. With this study, we sought to determine whether night exposure to light in cities can affect the development of these two types of cancer.”
First author Ariadna García-Saenz added, “Given the ubiquity of artificial light at night, determining whether it increases or not the risk of cancer is a public health issue. At this point, further studies should include more individual data using for instance light sensors that allow measuring indoor light levels. It would also be important to do this kind of research in young people that extensively use blue light emitting screens.”
Several studies have suggested that blue light is harmful to sleep, with some research suggesting that blue light exposure may be an underlying cause for the global sleep epidemic. This is because when exposed to blue light, melatonin is suppressed, preventing us from sleeping.
Many experts suggest reducing or avoiding exposure to blue light prior to bed so you can sleep well, but with the latest research findings, it may also be a wise idea to reduce your exposure to blue light as a means to reduce your risk of breast cancer or prostate cancer.
Related:
- The light from your phone is ruining your sleep
- Processed meats linked to an increased risk of breast cancer
- 4 factors that increase your risk of prostate cancer
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
