Prostate cancer is linked to shift work

Shift workers are at a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer than day or night workers on fixed patterns of work, a Japanese study has found.

Researchers suggested that reduced secretion of the hormone melatonin, used by the body to induce sleep, may be the cause.

Tatsuhiko Kubo and others, "Prospective cohort study of the risk of prostate cancer among rotating-shift workers: findings from the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study", American Journal of Epidemiology, volume 164, pages 549-555, 2006