The possibility that shift working can increase the potential for women to contract breast cancer needs further study according to a new research report published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In his work for HSE, Professor Swerdlow considered the results of four published epidemiological studies which addressed the possible relationship between breast cancer risk and shift work, and considered other relevant scientific information. A potential mechanism for a relation between shift work and breast cancer risk would be via an effect of altered light exposure at night on levels of melatonin or other hormones that might affect cancer risk.

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