Shift link to breast cancer

The possibility that shift working can increase the potential for women to contract breast cancer needs further study according to a new report published by the HSE.

Professor Anthony Swerdlow, a leading epidemiologist at the Institute of Cancer Research prepared the report. He concluded that: "Overall, the evidence for an association is appreciable, but not definitive" and that "further epidemiological research is needed to clarify the relationship."

The HSE commissioned this research following the publication of two articles in the United States, which indicated the possibility of a relationship between shift work and breast cancer. These articles suggested that an effect of altered light exposure at night on levels of melatonin or other hormones may affect cancer risk.

The HSE says it will be conducting more research, after consulting with a panel of cancer experts on the best way to proceed. General union GMB has called on employers to provide paid time off for women to go for breast screening, and for women night workers to get advice and an examination as part of their free health assessment under the Working Time Regulations.

Shiftwork and breast cancer: a critical review of the epidemiological evidence, RR 132, is available free at www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/index.htm