20 Common Jobs That Increase A Woman's Chances Of Breast Cancer
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Is the career of your dreams putting you at a higher risk for breast cancer?
A 2015 report by the Breast Cancer Fund called "Working Women and Breast Cancer: State of the Evidence" reveals more than 20 common jobs that put workers at an increased risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to other occupations. The research is based on the results of nearly 250 complete studies and includes insight as to why these career paths make women more susceptible.
Working in these fields doesn't mean that you will get breast cancer -- it means you are at a higher risk. Talk with your doctor about what preventative measures you can take.
20. Radiology Technicians
Advances in technology continue to minimize radiation exposure risks in health care. However, technicians who work regularly with radiological equipment such as X-ray machines are still twice as likely to have breast cancer.
19. Doctors
Emerging research shows that physicians and other non-nurse medical personnel may have risks up to 3.5 times greater than the average person. Carcinogenic chemical exposure may play a big role, but stressful, demanding positions may significantly contribute as well.
18. Nurses
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A nurse is up to 50 percent more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than her peers in other occupations. The risks vary depending on job responsibilities and work environments, but exposure to sterilizing agents, cytoplastic drugs and radiation are common contributors, along with work-related stress, night shifts and long hours.
17. Teachers
A career as a teacher may double a woman's risk of breast cancer, according to multiple studies. These risks affect educators at all grade levels, including preschool, primary, secondary and university teachers. Low activity levels and continued exposure to carcinogenic dyes may be to blame, according to a 2007 occupational medicine study.
16. Librarians
Librarians come in contact with an assortment of cancer-causing pigments and dyes, and they often sit for extended periods with limited physical movement. This combination creates a breast cancer risk up to four times higher than the average female.
15. Journalists
A journalist is also at a four times greater risk than average. Limited physical activity may contribute to the problem, but job-related stress and unconventional hours may also play a role.
14. Factory Workers
Ongoing research shows a direct correlation between exposure to chemical solvents and an increased risk of breast cancer. Machine operators, rubber and plastic manufacturers, textile workers, and others who work with solvents such as benzine, carbon tetrachloride and petroleum are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
13. Lawyers, Financial Advisers and Other Professionals
Research suggests that women in professional careers are four times as likely to develop breast cancer than the general population. High stress levels and limited activity are likely factors, but a number of other variables may also contribute.
12. Fire Fighters
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A possibly carcinogenic career, fire fighters are often surrounded by cancer-causing chemicals and volatile compounds. Very few studies relating to female fire fighters and cancer exist, but one small report suggested a possibly higher risk to women over 55.
11. Cosmetologists
The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers hairdressing to be a probable or possible carcinogenic industry. Women who work in this field may have a breast cancer risk that is five times higher than the general population.
10. Metal Workers
Many chemicals and solvents used in metalworking increase the risk of various types of cancer, including breast cancer. The breast cancer risk for women who work in automobile manufacturing, iron work or a similar profession is three times higher than the norm. Post-menopausal women often face the highest risks in this field.
9. Food and Beverage Production Workers
Another high-risk occupation for breast cancer, women who bottle or can food products are five times as likely to receive a positive diagnosis. Additional research is needed to determine the best plan of prevention.
8. Dry Cleaning Professionals
Dry cleaning involves an assortment of chemicals and carcinogenic processes. Women in this field have a 4.5 times higher breast cancer risk than the general population.
7. Flight Attendants
Flight attendants have a doubled risk of developing breast cancer. While some chemical exposure may contribute, prolonged sitting and limited physical activity may play a more significant role.
