Is it true that night shift can cause leukemia?

[Anonymous]

My aunt said (6pm-6am)12 hours night shift job at hospital can cause low blood. I work night shift and Im afraid I'll have leaukemia or be anemic. But I always sleep on the daytime but I work at night so will I still be anemic or get leukemia?

[Oliverlogan263]

There is some ongoing research into whether night shift work could potentially increase leukemia risk, but the evidence is not totally conclusive yet. Here are a few things to know:

- Studies have found correlations between long-term night shift work (10+ years) and higher risk of certain cancers like breast cancer and possibly leukemia. But correlation does not equal causation.

- The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies night shift work as a "probable carcinogen" based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in animal studies.

- Disruption to circadian rhythms from long-term night shifts is a hypothesized reason for increased risk. When we sleep at night, melatonin levels rise which may protect against cancer development.

- Lifestyle factors like lack of exercise, poor diet, and sleep disruption from night shifts could also play a role in weakened immunity over time.

- Most research focused on people who had done night shifts for decades. Risk would likely be very low for someone just starting out.

So in summary - the research isn't 100% clear and risk would be very low for a new nightshift worker. As long as you're managing sleep, diet, exercise, and not planning to do nights for 30+ years, I wouldn't worry too much. But seeing your doctor for regular bloodwork isn't a bad idea either just to be safe. Hopefully that provides some reassurance! Let me know if any other questions.

[Asker]

I walk 20 minutes to work and after work to nearest bus station. So thars the only exercise I do I still do 10k steps based on my pedometer app on phone.

[Asker]

Hmm at work I eat fried chicken and rice which i think is unhealthy never vegetables. Because I think fried foods won't spoil immediately for a 12 hours night shift. So I always bring home cooked meals like fried chicken, fried pork chop. I eat twice a day. At home before I go to work and at work. After my duty I just sleep after so Im fasting for 15 hours cuz I eat my food at 12 am midnight and after my shift I just sleep and eat my breakfast at 3:20 pm before I go to work and eat again my meal at work at 12 am and repeat. On my day off I fast for 2 days.

[Oliverlogan263]

Whoa luv, that eating routine's gotta change if you wanna stay healthy on nights! I know it's super tempting to live on easy fried meals when you're exhausted, but that's a lotta fats and not enough nutrients.

Here's what I'd suggest:

- Pack yourself some roasted chicken/lean meat and steamed veggies instead of fried stuff. Taste awesome and keeps you full for long hours.

- Add a protein shake or smoothie on the go. Good fuel and helps avoid fasting so long between shifts.

- Get a slow cooker - throw chicken breast, beans, rice etc in before work and you got soup ready when you get home. Nutritious and no effort!

- Don't forget fruits too, they give you energy without weighing you down.

- Maybe hit the gym soon as you wake up before work - not only helps balance sleep schedule but burns off stresses too.

- And try cutting back on the fasts, boo, your bod needs fuel! Aim for smaller healthier meals spread through the day instead.

Take care of yourself, luv! Night shifts kick your butt enough as is, don't make it harder with an empty tank. You got this!

[Asker]

Thanks Oli I will try some of your tips

[Oliverlogan263]

No problem sis, I'm glad you're open to trying some tips! Making healthier choices was a learning process for me too. Don't beat yourself up if you slip sometimes - nights are tough. But even small wins count, like packing one nutritious meal one weeknight for example. It's definitely a marathon not a sprint. Feel free to message me if you need any quick and easy recipe ideas too. I know it's hard to cook when tired but even something simple out of cans or pouches is better than fast food at midnight, trust! You've totally got this - your body will thank you. I believe in you! You stay strong out there on those night shifts. Let me know if any other questions come up.

[Asker]

Can I eat Hunts pork and beans on a can at work? My mom bought 2 of it and I was thinking of bringing it at work instead of cooking lol

[Oliverlogan263]

Girl, those pork and beans sure would be convenient for work! And honestly, a step up from just fried chicken and rice every night.

A few things though - check the nutrition label and make sure they aren't too high in sodium. Night shifts are draining enough without extra bloat, ya know?

Also maybe mix it up with some other things like half a sandwich or some crackers so you're getting more balanced nutrients. And definitely grab some veggies on the side if you can, even just a banana or salad pack would help.

I'd say go for it as a quick meal option, just be mindful of overdoing the canned stuff long term. Your body will thank you if you can work in some fresh scraps when you can.

But honestly, for an easy overnight dinner those beans should do the trick! Just watch the salt intake is all. And listen to your tummy - if you feel bloated or icky, mix it up next time. You've got this girl!

[strateguy632]

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