WOMEN who work at night, like those employed in call centers, could be prone to breast cancer and menstrual problems, according to an Institute for Occupation Health and Safety Development official.
Noting the increasing number of women working the graveyard shift — usually from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. — in the ubiquitous call centers, the institute’s executive director, Noel Colina, said this type of working arrangement could pose health risks for women.
He cited a study by the US-based Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center which found that women who work the graveyard shift may face up to 60 percent higher risk of breast cancer compared to those who never work at night.
The study showed that exposure to light at night may affect the production of melatonin, a hormone which is mainly produced by the pineal glands during the night, Colina said.
“Nighttime sleep deprivation or exposure to light at night somehow interrupts melatonin production, which in turn stimulates the ovaries to kick out extra estrogen, a known hormonal promoter of breast cancer,” he said.
Aside from the increased risk of breast cancer, night time work may also interfere with the menstrual cycle.
“Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), absence of menstruation (amenorrhea), and heavy menstruation (menorrhagia) are conditions associated with women taking the graveyard shift,” Colina said.
He noted that this was the main reason pregnant women are not allowed to work at night as it can adversely affect the health of both mother and child.
“Although the study isn’t conclusive, it provides us [with] pointers on how to address and protect the occupational health and safety of working women at call centers,” Colina said.
He said call center companies should provide free and regular breast cancer screening for their employees as well as seminars on how to prevent breast cancer.
They should also sponsor regular seminars on health and safety in the workplace and set up health and safety committees, he added. –Jerome Aning, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Nov 16 – International Day for Tolerance
“No more toleration of corruption!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations
against serious violations of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
November
Nov 2 – Intl Day to End Impunity for
Crimes Against Journalists
Nov 9 – World Science Day for Peace
and Development
Nov 16 – International Day for Tolerance
Nov 19 – World Toilet Day
Nov 20 – World Children’s Day
Nov 25 – Intl Day for the Elimination of
Violence Against Women
Monthly Observances:
Homes Safety Month
Filipino Values Month
National Rice Awareness Month
National Consciousness Month
for Punctuality and Civility
Environmental Awareness Month
National Children’s Month
Organic Agriculture Month
Weekly Observances:
Nov 19-25: Global Warming and
Climate Change Consciousness Week
Nov 23-29: National Girls’ Week
Population and Development Week
Nov 25 – Dec 12: Social Welfare Week
18-Day Campaign to End
Violence against Women
Week 2: Week 3: Drug Abuse Prevention
and Control Week
Last Week: Safety and Accident
Prevention Week
Daily Observances:
Last Saturday: Career Executive Service
Day
Nov 19: National Child Health Day
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
