n/a
Abstract Title:

Cancer incidence and mortality among flight personnel: a meta-analysis.

Abstract Source:

Aviat Space Environ Med. 2000 Mar ;71(3):216-24. PMID: 10716165

Abstract Author(s):

T Ballard, S Lagorio, G De Angelis, A Verdecchia

Article Affiliation:

T Ballard

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Increased cancer risk among flight personnel have previously been noted, including breast cancer among flight attendants and acute myeloid leukemia among pilots.

HYPOTHESIS: Exposure to cosmic radiation and other physical or chemical agents may pose health risks for flight personnel.

METHODS: We performed an exhaustive search for published and unpublished cohort studies of flight personnel from 1986-98. We combined relative risks (RR) for selected causes from four mortality and/or incidence studies of pilots and two incidence studies of flight attendants, using standard meta-analytic methods. Heterogeneity among the combined studies was explored and adjustments were made for possible confounding by socioeconomic status (SES), where indicated, using correction factors from published studies.

RESULTS: SES-adjusted combined RRs were elevated (>1.2) among male pilots for mortality from melanoma 11.97 (95%, CI: 1.02-3.82)] and brain cancer [1.49 (0.89-2.20)], and for cancer incidence of the prostate [1.65 (1.19-2.29)] and the brain [1.74 (0.87-3.30)]. Among female flight attendants, increases were seen for incidence of all cancers [1.29 (0.98-1.70)], melanoma [11.54 (0.83-2.87)], and breast cancer [1.35 (1.00-1.83)].

CONCLUSIONS: Flight personnel appear to be at increased risk for several types of cancer. Both occupational exposures and well-established non-occupational risk factors may contribute to this increased risk. To better control for confounding factors and to identify exposures potentially amenable to preventive measures, future studies should compare risks within cohorts by flight routes, work history, and exposure to cosmic and UV radiation, electromagnetic fields, and chemical substances.

Print Options


This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.