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The association between different night shiftwork factors and breast cancer: a case-control study
L Fritschi1, T C Erren, D C Glass
1Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
British Journal of Cancer
|September 12, 2013
Summary
Shiftwork, particularly graveyard shifts and phase shifts, may be linked to a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. However, the associations were weak and inconsistent across different shiftwork factors.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Shiftwork presents complex challenges in breast cancer research due to multiple contributing factors.
- These factors include light exposure at night, circadian rhythm disruption, sleep disturbances, and lifestyle changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between various shiftwork factors and breast cancer risk.
- To explore potential links between specific shiftwork characteristics and cancer development.
Main Methods:
- A population-based case-control study was conducted in Western Australia (2009-2011).
- Data were collected from 1205 breast cancer cases and 1789 controls using questionnaires and telephone interviews.
Main Results:
- A marginal increase in breast cancer risk was observed for graveyard shift work (OR=1.16).
- Phase shift was associated with a statistically significant 22% increase in breast cancer risk (OR=1.22, P=0.04), showing a dose-response relationship.
- Other shiftwork factors showed non-significant, marginally elevated risks.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests a potential association between certain shiftwork factors and breast cancer.
- However, the observed odds ratios were low, and relationships regarding duration and dose-response were inconsistent.
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