A re you a woman who works shifts? You may be eligible to participate in a sleep improvement program that may improve your quality of life, and help reduce breast cancer. Research has shown that women shift workers exposed to light at night are at increased risk for breast cancer.

The study is looking for women who are between 40 and 65 years of age; who work rotating shifts or permanent nights at least three times per month for at least two years; who have had a mammogram taken within the past three years, or are willing to get one; and are currently living or working in the Lower Mainland area.

Over a year, study participants will complete a program to improve sleep, which may improve factors associated with breast cancer and quality of life.

The researchers will also evaluate the sleep program's usefulness, and study other factors that may contribute to breast cancer in shift workers. The study will take place over 12 months, including assessments and sleep program.

Better sleep not only helps reduce stress and mood disorders, but also may improve weight management, memory, heart health, and overall quality of life.

Your participation will help the researchers better understand how to prevent breast cancer in shift workers for the future.

Dr. Carolyn Gotay, the Canadian Cancer Society Chair in Cancer Primary Prevention at the University of British Columbia, is directing the study.

- For more information contact Carola Muñoz at 604-822-1315, or e-mail shiftworkers.cancerprevent@ubc.ca.

More information is available on the UBC Cancer Prevention Centre website: http: // cancerprevent.spph.ubc.ca/research/shiftworkers/.