Impact of night-shift work on breast cancer risk

Night-shift Work and Breast Cancer

Observational IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT06786949

This study looks at whether working night shifts increases the risk of breast cancer in women who work in healthcare.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment6000 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 70 Years
SexFemale
SponsorIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Bologna and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06786949 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of breast cancer or those carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Previous studies have indicated a potential link between night work and increased cancer risk, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Bologna and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast Cancer Risk FactorsBreast cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.