|
Women who work the graveyard shift in the BPO, hospitality and airline industry are at a risk of contracting breast cancer, suggests a WHO study. iTALK tells you if your job is killing you softly
Now you have more than one reason to evade late night shifts at work. Following a study by World Health Organisation's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer, the Danish government has begun to award compensation to women who have developed breast cancer after years of working the night shift. The study placed graveyard shifts as a possible human carcinogen (any substance, condition or radiation responsible for cancer). The agency's conclusion was based on evidence retrieved from a wide number of studies of both humans and animals. Researchers found that workers who slogged it out at night were at a 48% higher risk of breast cancer than those who worked during the daytime. Worst affected are flight attendants, nurses and BPO workers.
 |
|
Priyanka Sapra | Hormone of darkness plays spoilsport
Most of WHO's research concentrated on finding the connection between breast malignancies and what cancer researchers call the "light-at-night" effect on the melatonin hormone or "hormone of darkness" that is crucial to the body's well-being. Here's what studies revealed:
* If one spends nights together in artificial light (even dim artificial light), the pineal gland's (a pea-sized gland in the centre of the brain) melatonin production rates go down.
* This multi-tasking hormone, which acts as an antioxidant, keeps one's biological clock ticking, and makes sure that one remains alert during the day and sleepy at night, also plays an important role in cancer prevention.
* It regulates the levels of the female hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestrogen, the latter known to encourage the growth of certain tumours, notably breast and ovarian.
* Since the brain produces the most melatonin in the middle of the night when it is dark, after-hour employees produce abnormally low levels.
It's disturbing, but I can't quit my job
Priyanka Sapra, 23, Senior Team Member, Bank of America Continuum Solutions
Night shifts can't be avoided as we deal with US-based clients. I work from 7.30 pm to 4.30 am during winters, and I can't deny the fatigue I suffer. But the money and perks that MNCs offer are crucial for my career.
 |
|
Anubhooti Sharma |
 |
|
Ekta Maan |
 |
|
Neelam Batra | Anubhooti Sharma, 26, BPO employee
The study needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. I have been working the night shift (midnight to 9 am) for 6 months, despite knowing that my biological clock gets disturbed. But there is no escaping it as they have become inevitable to most professions. Even if the study is true, I can't quit my job.
Ekta Maan, 21, Media professional
This study is shocking. As an employee at a 24X7 news channel, my job profile demands me to work odd hours. Given a chance, I would want to switch to the day shift, because my sleep patterns are disturbed, I skip meals and eat a lot of junk food.
Neelam Batra, 26, IT professional
Working the night shift is nothing short of a nightmare. I used to feel exhausted, irritated and productivity was affected. Though companies give extra allowances and take special care of those who work at night, regular health check-ups are a must.
Drink herbal tea to beat night shift blues
Namita Jain Clinical Exercise Specialist
Tips to beat the risk:
* Get adequate quality sleep.
* Light exercises, especially deep breathing, helps in relaxing one's mind and working more attentively.
* One should opt for herbal tea, fruit juices and buttermilk instead of aerated drinks and tea/coffee.
* Drink adequate water, and opt for fresh fruits and green vegetables over fast food.
Night shift sends lifestyle for a toss
Two oncologists get to the bottom of this study
 |
|
Dr Sidharth Sahni | Dr Sidharth Sahni, Consultant Breast Surgeon, Artemis Health Institute and board member, Cancer Research Foundation of India
"The study is quite relevant to India, where maximum cases of breast cancer are seen in the age bracket of 41 to 45, as compared to 53-57 in the West. Also, the number of young women who work the night shift, be it at BPOs, hospitality or the media sector, is increasing. The night shift disturbs the body clock, eating habits and sleep patterns, increasing the risk of many diseases, including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure, which make one more susceptible to cancer.
 |
|
Dr (Col) R Ranga Rao Professor | Dr (Col) R Ranga Rao Professor, Senior Consultant and Co-ordinator, Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre
The connection between melatonin and increased risk of cancer cannot be overruled. But intake of alcohol, late marriages, late birth of first child are also other reasons that contribute to the risk. A women's exposure to oestrogen is more in the times we live, as the menstrual cycle starts as early as nine years of age, and the menopausal age has gone up to 55. Since you can't avoid occupational hazards, what is required is to lead a healthy lifestyle by eating a nutritious diet, engaging in regular exercise and getting enough rest.
|
