Study Participants Needed: BC Cancer Research Institute Study on Night Shift Work and Gut Microbiome

The BC Cancer Research Institute is currently recruiting study participants for a project on night shift work and the gut microbiome. They are seeking British Columbians who are employed in jobs that involve night shift work. According to BC Cancer, “night shift work has been linked to increased risks of cancer. To protect the health of night shift workers, we are conducing a research study aimed at understanding the biological mechanisms by which night shift work causes cancer. One possible mechanism involves the disruption of gut microbes, whose normal functioning is critical to maintaining good health” (See Night Shift Work and Gut Microbiome Project Page).

ILWU Canada is circulating this call for participants among its membership because this study seeks to understand how night shift work impacts workers health, and research for the future health of workers aligns with our Union’s values and identity. Please share with fellow workers and encourage participation. See below for the full letter requesting participants from BC Cancer Research Institute, with important links and information:

“If you are between 18 and 65, live and work in BC, and currently work either night shifts (3 or more per week) or day shifts, you may be eligible! Your participation is voluntary. Participation includes completing a short questionnaire, providing a stool sample, and completing a dietary recall questionnaire. The total time commitment is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. As a thank-you, volunteers will receive a $100 reimbursement.

To check your eligibility, please click here [Eligibility Assessment] to complete the eligibility assessment. You can also visit the [Night Shift Work and Gut Microbiome – Project] for quick access to study details. For detailed eligibility criteria, visit the [Night Shift Work and Gut Microbiome – Call for Participants]. If you have any questions about the study, please contact the project manager, Agnes Lai at nightshift-gut@bccrc.ca or 604-675-8056.

Thank you for considering joining this important research – your participation will make a difference!”