Study Reveals Higher Cancer Risks for Flight Attendants and Pilots

According to a recent study, flight attendants and pilots face an elevated risk of dying from cancers linked to radiation exposure compared to individuals working with radioactive materials.

This cosmic radiation, which originates from space, reaches Earth’s surface in small doses. However, those flying at high altitudes are exposed to increased levels. Previous research, albeit limited, had suggested that frequent flyers—especially pilots and flight attendants—might suffer higher cancer mortality rates. The latest findings provide significant new evidence on this matter, as pointed out by two Australian radiation experts who were not part of the study.

The new research, released by JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed data from over 12 million death certificates that included occupational details. The study focused on the death rates associated with cancers that are known to be tied to radiation exposure, such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and various cancers including skin, breast, thyroid, prostate, and those affecting the central nervous system.

In examining over 500 occupations, flight attendants had the highest percentage of deaths from radiation-related cancers, with pilots coming in second. For these professions, the likelihood of dying from various radiation-associated cancers was markedly high.

Interestingly, neither flight attendants nor pilots exhibited elevated death rates from cancers not associated with radiation exposure. This observation supports the notion that occupational exposure to radiation, rather than lifestyle or socioeconomic factors, is the primary cause of the excess risk, according to the commentary authors.

Specifically, flight attendants had about a 50% higher chance of dying from radiation-related cancers compared to the general workforce, while pilots had a 36% increased risk. In absolute numbers, around 6.9% of flight attendant deaths were attributed to these cancers, roughly translating to 1 in 14, while for pilots, it was about 6.7%. In comparison, the general working population had a rate of 5%, as explained by Dr. Vishal Patel from Harvard Medical School, who was the study’s lead author.

The researchers did note some limitations in their study, particularly the uncertainty regarding the exact level of exposure experienced by flight crews, whether from flying or other sources. There’s also the possibility that some occupations may have been inaccurately categorized on the death certificates studied. Additionally, they were unable to account for the role that factors like jet lag, time zone changes, and irregular schedules, which could negatively affect cancer risk, might play in these professions.

While the Federal Aviation Administration recognizes that aircrew members are exposed to ionizing radiation, it doesn’t establish federal dose limits or require monitoring. Dr. Patel pointed out, “You can’t manage an exposure you’ve decided not to measure.”

Sara Nelson, who heads a union for 55,000 flight attendants, emphasized that the findings reinforce the need for serious consideration of radiation exposure, a message her union has been advocating for years. She remarked, “The risk is known, but crew are not educated or informed. And, no one is taking responsibility.”

In light of the study, the researchers suggest that annual skin examinations might be advisable for those working at high altitudes. Moreover, women in these positions could consider starting mammogram screenings at an earlier age or with greater frequency. It would also be prudent for doctors treating pilots and flight attendants to maintain a heightened awareness for cancer when assessing these patients.