Hong Kong scientists reveal link between late-night dinners and breast cancer
Risk of developing the disease increases by half among women who eat rice or noodles after 10pm
Women who eat rice or noodles after 10pm are more at risk of developing breast cancer, a study led by Chinese University revealed.
The risk increases by half if food is consumed after 10pm at least once a week for more than a year, compared to those women who never snack late at night.
Shelly Tse Lap-ah, associate professor at the university’s school of public health and one of the study authors, said the direct link between night eating and breast cancer was still unclear as the study only identified possible associations.
But previous studies suggested the habit might disrupt the neuroendocrine system, including reduction of melatonin, a hormone that helps to protect the body against ageing.
“If we eat late at night, our biological clock might reset and the [endocrine system] could be disrupted,” Tse said. “Chronic diseases could be caused if production of melatonin is suppressed.
“We could age and have poorer immunity.”
