Shiftwork has possible links to cancer.

[Kasynlie]

Shiftwork that involves circadian disruption is “probably carcinogenic to humans”



Epidemiological studies have found that long-term nightworkers have a higher risk of breast cancer risk than women who do not work at night. These studies have involved mainly nurses and flight attendants. The studies are consistent with animal studies that demonstrate that constant light, dim light at night, or simulated chronic jet lag can substantially increase tumour development. Other experimental studies show that reducing melatonin levels at night increases the incidence or growth of tumours.



These results may be explained by the disruption of the circadian system that is caused by exposure to light at night. This can alter sleep-activity patterns, suppress melatonin production, and disregulate genes involved in tumour development. Among the many different patterns of shiftwork, those that include nightwork are most disruptive to the circadian system.



Nearly 20% of the working population in Europe and North America is engaged in shiftwork, which is most prevalent in the health-care, industrial, transportation, communications, and hospitality sectors: To date, most studies have focussed on breast cancer in nurses and flight attendants. Now more studies are needed to examine this potential risk in other professions and for other cancers, noted Dr Cogliano, Head of the IARC Monographs Programme.

Scary stuff. How many of you work nightshifts?

 

[beowulf]

did for 8 years.........glad i dont now

 

[Peaceful]

What doesn't cause cancer now days?

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

What doesn't cause cancer now days?

I was thinking the same thing..

 

[Jazzy]

Sorry but I find this a bunch of BS. I agree with Beluga and can anyone post something that hasn't been found to be a cancer risk?

 

[Evil Eye]

I can! Dying!

 

[Crusader]

Sorry but I find this a bunch of BS. I agree with Beluga and can anyone post something that hasn't been found to be a cancer risk?

Breathing has just been linked to cancer... XD

 

[The Dragon Master]

I've read somewhere that when you sleep a chemical in your body builds up and is a chemical that fights against cancer, and when your awake then levels fall. Apparently the carried out a correlational study and found that those who slept less had a higher chance of getting cancer.



But then again, they've told us that chocolate's bad for us but then they tell us that chocolate is good for us XD I wish they'd make up their minds XD