Staying up late to work overtime may also "boil" out cancer! Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reportedly listed overnight work as a "possible carcinogenic factor". With ultraviolet rays, car exhaust, smoking, etc., overnight work has become one of the risks of cancer, which also means that cancer has become an occupational disease.

　　"Overnight work may indeed be one of the causes of cancer." Zuo Wenshu, executive member of the China Anti-Cancer Association and chief physician of Shandong Cancer Prevention and Control Research Institute, told Life Times that "working at sunrise and resting at sunset" is a law formed by the human body adapting to the natural environment, and that staying up late for a long time will affect the higher nerve centre, disrupt the endocrine system and affect the immune mechanism, making it easier for people to suffer from cancer. Researchers also believe that the night light impedes the generation of melatonin, which can inhibit the growth of a variety of cancer cells.

　　"For people in certain occupations, the risk of cancer is higher than for the general population." Zuo Wenshu said that this is mainly closely related to the poor environment that they are exposed to at work. A report released by the World Health Organisation shows that 15 out of 18 Class I carcinogens mainly come from occupational environments; as many as 13 out of 18 Class II substances also come from occupational environments. Experts pointed out that the following types of cancer are closely related to work: people engaged in asbestos, arsenic processing, cadmium, coal tar and other related industries are susceptible to lung cancer; people engaged in tanning, aluminium manufacturing, magenta manufacturing and other industries are susceptible to bladder cancer; practitioners exposed to formaldehyde and asbestos powder are more susceptible to nasopharyngeal cancer; and people exposed to benzene, vinyl chloride, X-rays and other industries may suffer from blood tumours.

　　Zuo Wenshu pointed out that "the formation of cancer is the result of a combination of factors." In addition to the environment, poor working and living habits are also important factors in causing cancer. In addition to staying up late, being sedentary at work for a long time, being under too much pressure and too fast-paced, drinking coffee and strong tea, as well as smoking and drinking, all increase the risk of cancer.

　　So, can cancer-inducing occupational factors be avoided? Zuo Wen stated that it is entirely possible. Firstly, develop good working habits, less late nights, and for those who are often in contact with carcinogens, they should wash their hands, bathe, clothes, and wear masks and other protective gear at work. Secondly, pay attention to exercise and reasonable diet to improve body resistance. Finally, regular medical check-ups.