Working in night shifts has become a common aspect of modern day jobs. Many people tend to work long hours in the night shifts, and it has been observed that this kind of work can increase the risk of many health problems.

A recent study suggests that working night shifts can increase the risk of breast cancer in women. Let’s take a deeper look at how working night shifts impacts breast cancer risk.

Understanding Breast Cancer

Before we begin, let’s first understand what breast cancer is. Breast cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. It is the second most common form of cancer affecting women, after skin cancer.

Breast cancer occurs when the breast cells start to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor or a lump in the breast—this tumor can also spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle habits, and environmental conditions. However, the exact cause of breast cancer is still not clear.

That being said, recent studies suggest that exposure to light at night may play a significant role in the development of breast cancer.

How Does Working Night Shifts Increase Breast Cancer Risk?

The human body has a natural rhythm called the circadian rhythm. This rhythm is determined by the exposure to light. When the sun rises, the body naturally wakes up, and when the sun sets, the body prepares for sleep.

However, when the body is exposed to light at night, this natural rhythm gets disrupted. This disruption has been linked to various health problems, including breast cancer.

When working night shifts, the body’s circadian rhythm is disturbed. The exposure to light at night can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone that is known to regulate sleep-wake cycles.

Melatonin also has anti-cancer properties, and a decrease in melatonin levels has been linked to the development of breast cancer. The exposure to artificial light at night can lead to frequent awakenings, insomnia and shift work sleep disorder. These have also shown the capacity to further weave the risk of breast cancer.

Studies Show A Link Between Working Night Shifts And Breast Cancer

Many studies have been conducted to understand the link between working night shifts and breast cancer risk.

A study conducted in 2001 on women who worked night shifts for over 30 years showed that they had a 2.7-fold higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who did not work night shifts. A similar study conducted in 2018 on nurses who worked night shifts showed that the risk of breast cancer increased by 3.3% for every five years of working night shifts.

These studies indicate that working night shifts for a prolonged period can significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Conclusion

Working night shifts has become the norm for many people, but it’s important to understand the risks associated with this type of work schedule. Studies suggest that working night shifts can increase the risk of breast cancer in women.

The exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt the circadian rhythm, leading to a decrease in melatonin levels, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. If you work night shifts for a prolonged period, it’s essential to take steps to reduce your risk of breast cancer.

This includes eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, and getting regular check-ups to detect any early signs of breast cancer.