Night Shift Nurses have Increased Breast Cancer Risk

It is estimated that 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with some form of breast cancer in their lifetime. According to the National Breast Cancer Coalition, there will be an estimated 313,510 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women; 2790 new cases diagnosed in men; and an additional 56,500 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnoses in women in 2024 alone. 

Night shift nurses may be at increased risk of breast cancer 

Studies show that this could be true. Women who routinely work the night shift for many years have presented with an increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. 

More research is needed to understand exactly which aspects of the night shift are contributing to the increased risk in breast cancer in nurses, but there is a possible link to exposure to light at night. 

Light at Night: Melatonin and Breast Cancer 

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythm of the body. It is produced by our brains in response to darkness. Exposure to light at night disrupts the production of melatonin by the brain. Night shift nurses could experience a decrease in melatonin as the body is repeatedly exposed to light at night. 

A study published in 2016, found a link between a greater breast cancer risk in women with lower levels of melatonin than in women with higher levels of melatonin. It is believed that exposure to light at night, therefore, may increase the risk of developing breast cancer because it inhibits the brain’s production of melatonin. 

In addition, a 2020 study published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer found lower levels of melatonin have also been shown to increase estrogen levels. Higher estrogen levels are known to increase the likelihood of a breast cancer diagnosis as evidenced in this 2011 study. 

More study is needed to effectively prove that night shift nurses are, in fact, at increased risk of developing breast cancer, but initial findings do show a linkage. 

What can night shift nurses do 

Some breast cancer risk factors are completely beyond an individual’s control, like aging or being born female. However, other breast cancer risk factors are in a nurses control and can be reduced through lifestyle changes. Here are a few steps night shift nurses can take to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer: 

Maintain a healthy weight

Heavier than normal body weight and weight gain in adulthood are linked with a higher break cancer risk in women after menopause. The American Cancer Society recommends that women work to stay at a healthy weight throughout life by balancing food intake and physical activity. If a nurse is currently overweight, it is not too late. They can begin taking steps to reduce weight and this could dramatically reduce the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the future. 

Develop a physically active routine

It is important to get regular physical activity for many reasons, but increased physical activity can reduce breast cancer risk. Many studies have shown that people who regularly participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity have lower risk of breast cancer than those who are not physically active. It is recommended by the American Cancer Society that adults aim for 150-300 minutes of physical activity each week. Exceeding 300 minutes of moderate activity is ideal to reduce the risk of breast cancer in nurses. 

Limit or avoid alcohol

Even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, it is best to drink no alcohol at all. However, if individuals do choose to drink, they should try not to have any more than one alcoholic drink per day. 

Talk to a doctor or other nurses

Some types of hormone replacement therapy after menopause have been linked with an increased risk of breast cancer. Look into non-hormonal options that can help ease the symptoms of menopause. 

How diagnosis is changing some nurses for the better 

Many nurses who have suddenly found themselves in the patient role after a breast cancer diagnosis have used the experience to improve healthcare for other patients, fight for patient rights, and become even better nurses themselves. 

Theresa Brown, an experienced oncology and hospice nurse, even wrote a book titled “Healing: When a Nurse Becomes a Patient” about her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer and the issues she faced in healthcare that made her an even more compassionate nurse who advocates for her patients. 

Alleviating the effects of breast cancer in nurses

Nurses play a key role in helping patients prevent breast cancer by educating them about risk factors and promoting early detection methods. These same things nurses do for their patients can be applied to nurses themselves in an effort to reduce their breast cancer risk. 

Education

Night shift nurses and all other nurses should educate themselves regarding common breast cancer risks. They should learn about routine screening techniques and ensure that they are regularly performing self-exams. 

Get recommended screenings

Taking the time to have routine screenings such as mammograms and breast MRIs is not always easy, especially for night shift nurses who work odd hours. However, these tests are extremely important when it comes to early detection of breast cancer and should not be overlooked. 

Promote awareness

Nurses can and should promote awareness of breast cancer risk and symptoms not just among patients, but among colleagues as well. Talking to co-workers and providing information on breast cancer risk findings could help others prevent, or at the very least become aware of, breast cancer themselves. 

Night shift nurses do not need to necessarily worry about increased breast cancer risk, but simply should be aware of new studies involving breast cancer in nurses and any preventative measures they can take to reduce these risks. It is also important to stay up-to-date on research concerning these and other issues that may affect nurses and to maintain the best possible education level for the health of themselves and their patients.