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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2001

Two studies published in today's issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute link women who work late at night and those who are awake early morning hours to an increased risk of breast cancer.

According to the first study, women who worked the "graveyard shift" (between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m.) showed a 60 percent greater risk for breast cancer. Those who worked more nights per week had a higher risk.

In addition to work, the study looked at sleeping patterns. Women who stayed up past 2 a.m. at least three nights per week had a 40 percent greater risk for breast cancer than those who did not.

According to a second long-term study involving nurses, researchers found that who had worked at least three nights a month for 30 or more years had a 36 percent greater risk for breast cancer. Those who worked at least three nights a month for between one and 29 years had an 8 percent greater risk.

Based on the studies, it would appear that risk is linked to the exposure to light and the melatonin produced as a result.

In related health news, the Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved breast tumor treatment device. California-based Endocare uses the device to freeze and destroy benign breast tumors.

Get the Story:
Two Studies Link Night Work, Breast Cancer (The Washington Post 10/17)
FDA Approves Device to Treat Breast Tumors (AP 10/17)

Relevant Links:
Journal of the National Cancer Institute - http://www.jnci.oupjournals.org

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