Vol. 530 No. 2
90 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on evidence that night working can increase the chance of breast cancer; the action he will take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3407/01]
My Department is aware that a recent study carried out in Denmark by J. Hansen at the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Copenhagen, has suggested a link between irregular working hours including night working and increased risk of breast cancer in women.
This is the first study which has shown such a link. It will be necessary to await the results of further studies before definite conclusions can be made about the risks of irregular or night time working or before a definite link can be established or refuted.
