Circadian disruption on breast cancer risk in women

 

In our comprehensive analysis of 28 observational studies, we found that circadian disruption, including shift work, exposure to light at night, and employment as a flight attendant, was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women. Findings from this study should prompt future research to confirm the causal relationship between circadian disruption and breast cancer. Individuals engaging in circadian-disrupting work should be aware of these risks and may make efforts to adjust their circadian rhythms, such as melatonin supplementation, wearing dark sunglasses when outside, or bright light therapy. 

 

 

Bibliographic Reference:

He C et al.: "Circadian disrupting exposures and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis", Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2014 Sep 27. [Epub ahead of print]

 

 

Sara Wagner Robb

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA