Medical Sciences, Vol. 13, Pages 228: Is Night Shift Work Associated with Ovarian Cancer? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Medical Sciences doi: 10.3390/medsci13040228

Authors:
Ahmed Arafa
Mazin Alhussein
Amin Alayyan
Haytham A. Sheerah
Mona S. Ibrahim
Abeer S. Alasmari
Sarah A. Barzanji
Samah A. Bukhari
Alhanouf K. Althaydi
Ehab Elkady
Tarig A. Y. Ali
Abdulrahman Almazrooa

Background: Night shift work has been classified as a probable carcinogen due to its disruption of circadian rhythms. However, whether night shift work can increase the risk of ovarian cancer remains unclear. Herein, we investigated this association using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We systematically searched several databases until June 2025 for relevant studies. Effect estimates were extracted and pooled using a random-effects model to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the I2 statistic, and publication bias was assessed using Egger’s regression test and funnel plot asymmetry. Results: Seven studies (eight cohorts) involving >2.5 million women were included. Overall, night shift work was not significantly associated with ovarian cancer (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.32; I2 = 49%). However, significant associations were observed in case–control studies (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.66; I2 = 0.8%) and in high-quality studies (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.37; I2 = 52%). Sensitivity analyses suggested that exposure misclassification in some cohort studies attenuated risk estimates. No publication bias was detected (z = −0.63, p = 0.53). Conclusions: While the overall findings did not demonstrate a statistically significant association, evidence from case–control studies that collected detailed information about night shift work suggests an increased ovarian cancer risk in night shift workers. Future large-scale prospective studies with detailed exposure assessments are warranted to confirm these findings.

Source link

Ahmed Arafa www.mdpi.com