Reproductive and Hormonal Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Blind Women
Abstract
Epidemiological observations indicate that breast cancer risk is lower in visually impaired women compared to sighted women and that risk is inversely correlated with degree of visual impairment. A hypothesis to explain these findings is that blind people are less susceptible to suppression of melatonin by light exposure at night and therefore have higher levels of melatonin. Melatonin has oncostatic properties in vitro. In a survey of 12,000 blind women, we will test the hypothesis that 1) the distribution of known reproductive risk factors for breast cancer among blind women will be consistent with lower risk when compared to the general population. In a subset of 240 women, we will test the hypotheses that 2) urinary melatonin levels are lower and estrogen levels are higher among blind women with light perception compared to women without light perception; 3) melatonin levels will be higher and estrogen levels lower among totally blind women who have non-24-hour melatonin rhythms and therefore a confirmed absence of light-induced suppression of melatonin, compared to totally blind women who have 24- hour melatonin rhythms and may be affected by light. Data collection is ongoing and there are no results to report at this time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA457534
Entities
People
- Steven Lockley
Organizations
- Brigham and Women's Hospital