FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Astronomy an unhealthy activity?

[Stan Gorodenski <stan_gorodenski@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I just read this. I wonder if there is any data indicating amateur or 
professional astronomers are more prone to breast, colon, or prostrate 
cancer.
Stan

 From the Washington Post:
After several studies found that people who work at night appear 
unusually prone to breast and colon cancer, researchers investigating 
the possible explanation for this association found exposure to light at 
night reduces levels of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is believed to 
protect against cancer by affecting levels of other hormones, such as 
estrogen.

"Melatonin can prevent tumor cells from growing -- it's 
cancer-protective," said Eva S. Schernhammer of Harvard Medical School, 
who has conducted a series of studies on volunteers in sleep 
laboratories. "The theory is, if you are exposed to light at night, on 
average you will produce less melatonin, increasing your cancer risk."

Other researchers are exploring a possible link to other malignancies, 
including prostate cancer.

"There's absolutely no reason it should be limited to breast cancer, and 
it wouldn't necessarily be restricted to people who work night shifts. 
People with disrupted sleep or people who are up late at night or get up 
frequently in the night could potentially have the same sort of effect," 
said Scott Davis of the University of Washington.


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