Flight crew face higher rates of radiation-related cancer

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has found that flight attendants and pilots experience higher proportions of radiation-related cancer deaths compared to over 500 other occupations. Researchers analyzed death certificates from 13 million deceased individuals across 503 professions in the United States.

The findings indicate that flight attendants had the highest proportion of radiation-related cancer deaths at 6.9 percent, followed by pilots at 6.7 percent. These deaths included types such as breast, prostate, thyroid cancer, and leukemia. Specifically, radiation-related cancers were recorded as a cause of death 50 percent more often among cabin crew and 36 percent more often among pilots than in other occupations.

Researchers noted that the study focused on individuals who were already deceased and therefore does not necessarily represent the actual cancer mortality rate for active flight personnel. However, the results suggest a link to exposure to ionizing radiation encountered during flights.