More Evidence Ties Night-Shift Work to Breast Cancer
A Canadian study suggests that night-shift work increases the risk for breast cancer.
The researchers found that the length of time working the night shift is the important risk factor. A duration of 30 years or more was associated with a 2-fold increased risk, whereas a duration of less than 30 years was not associated with increased risk.
The study points out that there is no specific reason why this occurs, what is causing this increased risk. If we did, we might be able to design shift schedules that are better for health.
It has been suggested that night-shift work is a risk factor for several cancers. In fact, in 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer deemed shift work involving circadian disruption a “probable carcinogen.”
One study (Occup Environ Med. 2012;69:551-556) showed that Danish female military workers who preferred mornings (larks) were at greater risk of developing breast cancer when they worked night shifts than women who preferred evenings (owls), as reported by Medscape Medical News.
Occup Environ Med. Published online July 1, 2013. Abstract
via Blogger http://chiropractic-lane.blogspot.com/2013/07/evidence-points-to-night-shift-word-to.html
Recent Comments