French ruling spotlights breast cancer as an occupational disease I Explained

In a historic ruling for France's aviation sector, a Bayonne court has declared breast cancer as an occupational disease. The landmark decision, announced in July, was made in the case of Sophie Lainault, a former flight attendant who is now in remission. The court acknowledged the role of factors such as night shifts, ionising radiation exposure at high altitudes, and passive smoking in contributing to Ms. Lainault's breast cancer.

Ms. Lainault, who accumulated 12,600 flight hours over her 30-year career with Air France, initially worked as a flight attendant and later as a purser on long-haul flights. Smoking was permitted on flights until 2000. The court's decision allows her to retire early and ensures that any future treatment costs will be covered by the French health authorities.

This ruling sets a legal precedent, as it is the first time breast cancer has been recognized as an occupational disease for a flight attendant. The verdict comes after a similar legal battle in 2023, where a nurse with breast cancer faced years of fighting before the court acknowledged her cancer as occupational. Studies have shown a link between long-term night work, circadian disruption, and exposure to ionising radiation and an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer.

Aircrew members are also more likely to develop specific cancers than the general population, with aircrew members accruing 3 to 6 millisieverts of cosmic radiation per year, significantly higher than the 0.4 millisieverts received by an average air traveller. The French court's recognition highlights the ongoing debate over the health risks associated with night jobs, with Denmark also officially recognizing breast cancer as occupational in 2022.