Flight Attendants, Pilots Have Highest Risk of Dying From Radiation-Linked Cancers

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that flight attendants and pilots have the highest risk of dying from radiation-linked cancers, surpassing those who work with radioactive materials. This increased risk stems from exposure to cosmic radiation at high altitudes during flights. Using national data from over 12 million death certificates, researchers discovered that flight attendants had 50% higher odds of dying from radiation-related cancers compared to the general working population, while pilots faced a 36% higher risk.

Among these two occupations, cancer risks were notably elevated for leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and various other types, including skin, breast, thyroid, prostate, and central nervous system cancers. Despite acknowledging study limitations, experts stress the need for heightened awareness and potential preventative measures, such as increased skin examinations and earlier cancer screenings, for those working in high-altitude aviation professions.