Night-shift Work and Breast Cancer
Scientific evidence established about the effects of night work on health both in the short term (insomnia, excessive sleepiness, difficulty concentrating or lack of energy) and in the long term (moderately high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, cancer). In light of the scientific evidence, the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has listed night work as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2). With respect to current knowledge, the present study could provide valuable help in understanding the mechanisms by which circadian rhythm alteration acts at the genetic level in terms of promoting oncogenesis. Furthermore, by studying its association with other risk factors, understand whether there is a pattern of women more susceptible to its oncopromoting action.
• Health workers with any type of contract and qualification (doctors, nurses, OSS) in service at IRCSS AOUBO and AOU G. Martino of Messina for at least six months between 1.1.2000 and 31.12.2021
• Age between 20 and 70 years at the start of study follow-up (6 months after recruitment or 1.1.2000)
• Female gender
• For secondary objective 2 of the study only, women exposed to night work must have worked at least 6 night shifts per month in the past six months