Blind women have a lower risk of breast cancer than sighted women due to presence of high levels of melatonin. This was the finding of a study by the Cancer Registry of Norway which showed that totally blind women have a 36% lower risk of breast cancer compared to sighted women.
Melatonin, also known as the “hormone of darkness” is a hormone that regulates sleep.
Source : J Kliukiene et al “Risk of breast cancer among Norwegian women with visual impairment” British Journal of Cancer (2001) 84:397-399
Chapter: Cancer :: 25 April 2007
