Risk of Melanoma Decreased in Shift Workers, Study Finds

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Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) have found that skin cancer, specifically melanoma, may be associated with a reduced risk in women who do shift work. The study was published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The effect shift work has on health has been studied in the past and found to increase the risk of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer according to sciencedaily.com.

Lead study author, Eva Schernhammer M.D from BWH expressed that the risk of skin cancer among night-shift workers though had been unknown. Dr. Schernhammer has also studied the effects of shift work on other health issues such as ovarian cancer, menstrual cycles and signs of aging.

A known factor of shift work is that it disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, specifically lowering melatonin levels. Melatonin has been found to have cancer protective properties. According to the University of Maryland, studies have shown that women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer have lower than normal levels of melatonin.

What is interesting is that while low melatonin levels are thought to contribute to increased cancer risk in other parts of the body, this study showed that shift work, which lowers melatonin levels, might be associated with a decrease in skin cancer risk.

The researchers examined the relationship between rotating shifts and skin cancer by reviewing the records of 68,336 women in the Nurses’ Health Study over a period of 18 years. They found that woman who had worked a rotating nightshift for a longer period of time had a significantly lower association with skin cancer.

While the risk of all types of skin cancer was reduced, the strongest was observed for melanoma. “Working ten or more years of rotating night-shifts was associated with 44 percent decreased risk of melanoma”. (1)

The researchers also found that darker-haired women had the lowest skin cancer risk. This suggests that there may also be a genetic component that affects melatonin suppression.

Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland in the body. It influences release of other hormones such as estrogen, is believed to be involved in aging as well as having strong antioxidant effects. There is some evidence it helps strengthen the immune system. (3)

Some people have tried to supplement their melatonin levels with pills though there is no suggested daily dosing and University of Maryland warns to always consult your doctor before starting supplementation, as there are numerous side effects that need to be considered.

Dr. Schernhammer notes that while higher doses of melatonin may offer benefits to those with stable circadian rhythms, those who do shift work may be better off with lower levels in relation to certain diseases.

Sources:

1. Brigham and Women's Hospital. "Shift work may be associated with decreased risk of skin cancer." ScienceDaily, 2 Mar. 2011. Web. 27 Aug. 2011. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110302101702.htm

2. Schernhammer, ES et al. Rotating night shifts and risk of skin cancer in the nurses' health study. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2011 Apr 6;103(7):602-6. Epub 2011 Feb 18.
Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21335547

3. Melatonin: Overview. University of Maryland Medical System. Web. 28, Aug. 2011.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/melatonin-000315.htm

4. Bio of Eva Schernhammer M.D. MPH. Brigham and Women's Hospital
Department of Medicine a teaching affililiate of Harvard of Medical School. Web. 28, Aug. 2011.
http://researchfaculty.brighamandwomens.org/BRIProfile.aspx?id=2306

Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles

Edited by Jody Smith

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.