Shift work and colorectal cancer risk in the MCC-Spain case–control study

Having ever performed rotating shift work is associated with a 22% increased risk for colorectal cancer.

• Rotating shift work is linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer with an odds ratio of 1.22.
• Permanent night shift work (≥3 nights/month) does not show a significant association with colorectal cancer risk.
• The risk of colorectal cancer increases with the cumulative duration of rotating shift work.
• Individuals in the highest exposure quartiles (≥35 years of rotating shift work) have an odds ratio of 1.36 for colorectal cancer.
• The findings indicate that prolonged exposure to rotating shift work may be a risk factor for colorectal cancer.

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