Our eye color is determined by the amount and type of melanin pigment in our irises. Darker eyes have more melanin, while lighter eyes have less.

Have you ever wondered if there is a connection between eye color and cancer risk? In this article, we delve into the science behind it and explore the link between eye color and various types of cancer.

Melanoma and Eye Color

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can occur in the eye as well. It develops from the cells that produce melanin in the skin, and in the eye, it originates from the uveal tract, which is the middle layer of the eye.

Several studies have found a correlation between eye color and melanoma risk. People with lighter eyes, such as blue, green, or gray, have a higher risk of developing ocular melanoma than those with dark eyes.

The reason for this is that lighter eyes have less melanin, which makes them more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV radiation. This is why people with lighter eyes need to be more diligent regarding sun protection and regular eye exams.

Breast Cancer and Eye Color

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and its risk factors are well-known, such as age, family history, and lifestyle choices.

However, a study published in the Journal of Cancer Epidemiology in 2018 found a link between eye color and breast cancer risk. The study involved over 2,000 women of different ethnicities, and it found that women with light-colored eyes, especially blue or green, had a higher risk of breast cancer than women with brown or dark eyes.

The reason for this is unclear, but it is thought that it may be related to the amount and type of melanin in the body.

Prostate Cancer and Eye Color

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, and its incidence is influenced by several factors, including age, genetics, and lifestyle habits.

A study published in the Journal of Urology in 2017 found a link between eye color and prostate cancer risk. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 men with prostate cancer and over 3,000 men without the disease. They found that men with blue or gray eyes had a higher risk of prostate cancer than those with brown or dark eyes.

Again, the reason for this is unclear, but it may be related to the amount of melanin in the body, which can influence hormone production and thus, prostate cancer risk.

Colon Cancer and Eye Color

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and its risk factors are well-known, including age, diet, and lifestyle habits.

However, a study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2016 found a link between eye color and colon cancer risk. The study involved over 1 million participants of different ethnicities and found that people with blue or gray eyes had a higher risk of colon cancer than those with brown or dark eyes.

The reason for this is unclear, but it may be related to the amount of melanin in the body, which can influence inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to colon cancer development.

Lung Cancer and Eye Color

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and its risk factors are well-known, such as smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, and environmental toxins.

However, a study published in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention in 2012 found a link between eye color and lung cancer risk. The study involved over 10,000 participants of different ethnicities and found that people with blue or green eyes had a higher risk of lung cancer than those with brown or dark eyes.

The reason for this is unclear, but it may be related to the amount of melanin in the body, which can influence antioxidant capacity and immune response that protect against lung cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the color of our eyes may be more than just a cosmetic feature. It may be a potential risk factor for certain types of cancer, although the reasons for this are not well-understood and require further research.

Individuals with lighter eye colors should be vigilant about protecting their eyes and skin from UV radiation and undergo regular eye exams to detect any potential ocular melanoma. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular cancer screenings can reduce the risk of cancer regardless of eye color.