Night Shifts Linked to Cancer

Category: Health

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. after dark / ˈæf tər dɑrk / (adv) – happening when the day has ended and the night has started
    Example:

    Tim usually gets home after dark.


  2. nights / naɪts / (adv) – regularly or usually happening in the evening
    Example:

    I have to work nights for two weeks because my coworker is on sick leave.


  3. accumulate / əˈkyu myəˌleɪt / (v) – to increase in number after a certain period of time
    Example:

    The fish died because the radioactive substances accumulated in its body.


  4. carcinogenic / ˌkɑr sə nəˈdʒɛn ɪk, -noʊ- / (adj) – being likely to trigger cancer
    Example:

    The Department of Health warned against beauty products that are actually carcinogenic.


  5. occupational hazard / ˌɒk yəˈpeɪ ʃə nl ˈhæz ərd / (n) – a risk or possible injury that comes with one’s job or hobby
    Example:

    Exposure to loud noises is one of the occupational hazards in my job.


Article

Read the text below.

A study showed that people who work night shifts are at risk of cancer.


In the past, scientists have pointed out that night shift workers are prone to diabetes and obesity. Moreover, they recently revealed that cancer is another risk of working after dark.


People who sleep in the daytime have lower levels of melatonin / ˌmɛl əˈtoʊ nɪn / than those who sleep at night. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body clock, signals the body when to repair the damaged cells. However, when a person works nights, melatonin is suppressed. A person increases his or her risk of cancer when these unrepaired cells accumulate.


Experts are currently looking into the effects of taking melatonin supplements. Dr. Parveen Bhatti of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center said they want to know if melatonin intake is effective in reducing DNA damage that could be carcinogenic.


Meanwhile, the National Sleep Foundation urged companies to ensure the health and safety of their night shift workers. The foundation recommended placing workers in an environment that is cool and bright. They also suggested allowing them to sleep in the office before or during their shift.


There are occupational hazards in working nights, but some people might still prefer to do so. According to the National Sleep Foundation, there are genetic differences in people’s sleep time and work time. They recommend workers to explore their natural body clock to see what shift is best for them. Furthermore, they should communicate this to their employer, especially if they have a flexible work shift.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• How can companies ensure the well-being of employees, especially high-risk ones? Give details.
• If a person acquires an illness while employed in a company, who should take responsibility? Is it the employee or the company?

Discussion B

• Do you think employees should be given the option to choose their work schedule? Why or why not?
• Would you work night shifts in exchange for a higher salary? Explain your answer.