On-the-street correspondents give you the low-down...
PLUS latest survey results and more...
If this is your first visit please click here before continuing
| Studies find increased risk of breast cancer for night workers Nightshift workers may increase their breast cancer risk by up to 60%. Two US studies highlight a "dose effect", meaning the more time spent working nights, the greater the risk of breast cancer. They suggest bright light in the dark hours decreases melatonin secretion and increases oestrogen levels. Both studies appear in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Epidemiologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle, Scott Davis, said: "We are just beginning to see evidence emerge on the health effects of shift work." He said more research was needed, however, before a compelling case could be made to change night work schedules. "The numbers in our study are small, but they are statistically significant," said Francine Laden, a researcher at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and co-author of the second study. In Mr Davis' study, researchers explored the work history of 763 women with breast cancer and 741 women without the disease. They found that women who regularly worked night shifts for three years or less were about 40% more likely to have breast cancer than women who did not work such shifts. Women who worked at night for more than three years were 60% more likely. The study was based on the medical and work histories of more than 78,000 nurses from 1988 through to May 1998. 17th October 2001 |
Copyright 2001 adultsx All Rights Reserved
ACIP worldwide copyright protection If you believe we have infringed on a copyright that you own
please contact us and the offending item will be removed immediately
Grateful appreciation to all contributors. Emma