Cabin crew at 'increased risk' of cancer

Wednesday, 22 October 2003 10:10 PM

Cabin crew seem to be at increased risk of developing skin and breast cancers, according to studies published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine this week.

A Swedish study has reconfirmed the increased risk of potentially malignant melanoma amongst both female and male flight staff.

In an attempt to rule out factors such as skin type, or such as sun bed use and sun exposure in this relationship Icelandic researchers surveyed 1000 pilots and flight attendants, and almost 2000 people from the general population. Although the aircrews had taken more sun-drenched holidays than average, this difference did not account for the increased skin cancer risk.

Another study from Iceland looked at the risk of breast cancer in female flight attendants. Of 1500 women surveyed, 35 had developed breast cancer. It was found those who had been in their job for five or more years before 1971 were five times more likely to develop the disease than those who had been in their post for less time before this year.

The date is crucial because in 1971, jet travel became routine, transporting crew at higher altitudes and heightening exposure to carcinogenic ionising radiation.

But Dr Elizabeth Whelan of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that Icelandic planes fly more northerly routes, where there are higher levels of ionising radiation even at lower altitudes.

She points out: 'The evidence that flight crew are at increased risk for certain types of cancer is growing, and current concerns about potential hazards in this occupation are not without basis.'

The irregular working hours and body clock disturbances suffered by cabin crew are other factors that could also predispose to ill health, Dr Whelan suggests. But with flights increasing in duration and planes flying even higher, the exposure to radiation could become increasingly important.

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