Circadian Disruption Shift Work and Breast Cancer Risk

Night shift work is classified as a probable carcinogen based on various studies.

• Epidemiologic studies in humans and mechanistic studies in animals support the carcinogenic classification of night shift work.
• The increased cancer risk may be linked to disruptions in normal circadian rhythms caused by exposure to light at night.
• Individual cancer risk associated with night shift work varies due to factors such as sensitivity of the circadian system, pre-existing breast cancer risk, night shift schedules, and environmental light exposure.
• There is currently no evidence for effective interventions to reduce or prevent breast cancer risk related to night shift work.
• Screening for at-risk individuals is suggested as an appropriate measure.

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