Nina Droff, edited by Gauthier Delomez
In Moselle, a nurse won her case in court. The court ruled on Monday morning that her work schedule was responsible for her breast cancer. The ex-caregiver worked for 28 years in night shifts, and this court decision could set a precedent.
This is a first in France. A nurse’s breast cancer was recognized as an occupational disease on Monday in Moselle. Justice considered that this nurse developed this disease because of her work rhythm: she indeed exercised for 28 years in night shifts, which represents 873 full nights between 1982 and 2009. This is a “direct factor in the development of her breast cancer”, wrote the medical expert in this file in black and white.
Several courts seized for identical cases
Previously, several studies by Inserm and Anses had already revealed an increased risk of breast cancer for women who worked regularly at night before the menopause, probably because of the disruption of the internal clock, but it does not there had never been any official recognition.
For this former nurse, it is therefore a victory after a year of legal and administrative battle. The court’s decision is also a success for other people in similar situations because this case could serve as case law. Several French courts have already been seized for identical cases.
The CFDT-Minier de Lorraine, very invested in the subject, hopes that this recognition will call into question the organization of night work in certain environments and requests a definitive registration of breast cancer in the register of occupational diseases.