Impact of night-shift work on breast cancer risk
Official title: Night-shift Work and Breast Cancer
Run by IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT06786949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at whether working night shifts increases the risk of breast cancer in women who work in healthcare.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 6000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bologna and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 31, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | January 22, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06786949 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are female health workers aged 20 to 70 who have worked at least six night shifts per month in the past six months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of breast cancer or those carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationship between night-shift work and the risk of developing breast cancer among female health workers. It aims to understand how disruptions in circadian rhythms due to night work may influence genetic mechanisms that promote cancer. Participants will complete questionnaires and provide blood samples for biomarker analysis to assess their health and exposure to night work. The study focuses on women aged 20 to 70 who have worked in specific healthcare roles for at least six months.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how night-shift work contributes to breast cancer risk, potentially leading to improved prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a potential link between night work and increased cancer risk, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Health workers with any type of contract and qualification (doctors, nurses, OSS) in service at IRCSS AOUBO and AOU "G. Martino" of Messina for at least six months between 1.1.2000 and 31.12.2021 * Age between 20 and 70 years at the start of study follow-up (6 months after recruitment or 1.1.2000) * Female gender * For secondary objective 2 of the study only, women exposed to night work must have worked at least 6 night shifts per month in the past six months Exclusion Criteria: * Women found to be positive for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutation (BRCA1 and 2 mutations are searched for by geneticists in sick women for whom there is a consistent suspicion of mutation) * Women with prior history of breast cancer at the time of recruitment or within six months thereafter.
Where it's running
-
IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero - Universitaria di Bologna, U.O. Medicina del Lavoro
Bologna, Italy Recruiting -
AOU G. Martino Messina U.O.S.D. Medicina del Lavoro
Messina, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Francesco Violante, MD — IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna
- Study coordinator: Francesco Violante Violante, MD
- Email: francesco.violante@asop.bo.it
- Phone: 051 2142611
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.