Research links shift work with breast cancer

A report published by the HSE in May 2010 estimated that more than 550 UK breast cancer deaths and almost 2,000 cases of breast cancer are linked to shift work. This represents almost half of all occupationally-related cancer registrations (1,971 out of a total of 3,622) in women. The Burden of occupational cancer in Great Britain by Imperial College London, the Institute of Environment and Health and the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) provides an updated estimate of the number of cancer cases and cancer deaths caused by work. It can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr800.htm

More recently, a Canadian study reported that working night shifts for more than 30 years could double the risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers examined 1,134 women with breast cancer and 1,179 women of the same age without the disease. They questioned them about their work and shift patterns and assessed hospital records. An association was not found for those doing night shifts for less than 30 years. The results of the study were reported in TUC Risks e-bulletin: www.tuc.org.uk/workplace/tuc-21700-f0.cfm#tuc-21700-10

HSE, Managing shift work: health and safety guidance, HSE Books or can be downloaded free at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg256.pdf

The general union Unite published revised guidance, Shift work and night work — a health and safety issue for Unite members, in April 2010: www.unitetheunion.org/uploaded/documents/Shift%20work%20and%20night%20work%20(Unite%20H%26S%20briefing)11-4950.pdf