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[Cancer risk among shift workers: a review]
M Puligheddu1, S Conti, M Campagna
1Sezione di Neurologia, Università di Cagliari.
Giornale Italiano Di Medicina Del Lavoro Ed Ergonomia
|February 15, 2013
Summary
Shift work disrupting circadian rhythms is linked to increased cancer risk. Mechanisms include genetic factors, sleep deprivation, and lifestyle, potentially raising risks for breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Chronobiology
- Cancer Epidemiology
Context:
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies shift work as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A).
- Disruption of circadian rhythms is a key concern.
- Understanding the carcinogenic risk associated with shift work is crucial for public health.
Purpose:
- To review the scientific literature on the carcinogenic risks faced by shift workers.
- To assess the potential mechanisms linking shift work to cancer.
- To inform risk assessment strategies for shift workers.
Summary:
- Shift work may increase cancer risk through mechanisms like clock gene polymorphisms affecting melatonin synthesis and immuno-suppression from sleep deprivation.
- Individual habits and low vitamin D levels associated with shift work may also contribute to elevated cancer risk.
- Specific cancers implicated include breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma.
Impact:
- Provides a scientific basis for the hypothesis linking shift work-related sleep deprivation to increased cancer risk.
- Highlights potential contributing factors such as genetic predispositions and lifestyle.
- Suggests the need for further epidemiological research despite current evidence limitations.
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