Aircrew at highest risk of cancer mortality due to radiation

A comprehensive study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that flight attendants and pilots are at the highest risk of dying from radiation-related cancer, above all other professions. Flight attendants ranked first with a 50% higher chance of dying from such cancer, and pilots second with 36%. Researchers attribute this to exposure to cosmic radiation at high altitudes.

A comprehensive study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals alarming data on the health of aircrew. Researchers, led by Dr. Vishal Patel from Harvard, analyzed data from 12 million death certificates in the US. Flight attendants ranked first among more than 500 professions, with about a 50% higher chance of dying from radiation-related cancer (about 6.9% of deaths). Pilots came in second, with about a 36% higher chance (about 6.7%). For comparison, among the general working population, the rate was about 5%. The main factor is cosmic radiation at high altitudes. The study did not find higher mortality rates from non-radiation-related cancer, which strengthens the causal link. Researchers noted that precise dosage could not be measured, and that disruption of the biological clock (jet lag) may contribute. The study criticizes aviation authorities for the lack of official dose limits and periodic monitoring. Experts recommend annual skin checks for aircrew and early mammography for women.