Night shift work is a prevalent work schedule in Canada and worldwide, particularly within the healthcare sector. Despite the classification of night shift work as a "probable carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2007, the relationship between night shift work and cancer risk remains complex. While epidemiologic studies suggest long-term exposure increases the risk of multiple cancer types, including breast and prostate, results across studies are not consistent. In addition, the mechanisms by which night shift work may increase cancer risk are not well understood, hampering the development of effective prevention strategies. In this talk, Dr. Jennifer Ritonja showcased the current epidemiologic evidence on the association between night shift work and cancer risk, with a particular focus on breast cancer risk. Possible biological mechanisms, risk mitigation strategies and areas for future research were also discussed.
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