title: [Cancer risk among shift workers: a review].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  According to IARC, shift work resulting in disruption of circadian rhythm is a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A).
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined the scientific literature on the carcinogenic risk among shift workers for risk assessment purposes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clock genes polymorphisms might contribute with suppression of melatonin synthesis, immuno-suppression from sleep deprivation, individual habits associated with shift work, and low vitamin D levels, in increasing risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer and lymphoma among shift workers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the epidemiological evidence seems scanty, the hypothesis that shift work-related sleep deprivation would contribute to increasing cancer risk seems based on solid ground.
authors: Sezione di Neurologia, Università di Cagliari.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Puligheddu
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Conti
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Campagna
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Meloni
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Pau
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Cocco
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Marrosu
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance