Does working night shift increase the risk of cancer?

By MindStick

There is some evidence that working night shifts may increase the risk of cancer; however, it is not entirely correct but complex.

Long-term night shift work in women is linked to a 19% increased risk of cancer, particularly in skin, breast, and gut cancers in a 2023 study.

Lack of sleep & exposure to artificial light can affect melatonin production, hormone levels, and DNA repair paths, contributing to cancer development

A 2020 meta-analysis of 57 studies found no significant association between night shift work and cancer, indicating no overall higher risk.

Overall, identifying night shift duties is difficult due to the presence of additional cancer risk factors such as lifestyle, food, and surroundings.

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