Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.  2010 Oct;20(2):39-42.

Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Flight Crews

• Jang J
• Hyun W

Abstract

Flight crews are exposed to occupational hazards including ionizing radiation of cosmic origin and life-style factors that may influence their health status and mortality. Epidemiologic cohort studies of cancer incidence and mortality among flight crews have shown differences compared with general population. Cohort studies conducted in North America and European countries for the last decades showed that increased risk for malignant melanoma has been the most consistent finding to date.Increased risk for cancers of the brain and prostate as well as for leukemia were found in some studies, but not in all although overall cancer mortality is being decreased. Typical findings have included a high risk of aviation accidents and decreased mortality from cardiovascular events. Concerning that death from cancer has become a leading cause of death in general population a global collaborative mortality study among flight personnel need to be set up to monitor potential health care problems.

Keyword

Flight crew; Cancer incidence and mortality