Flight Attendants and Pilots Face Higher Risk of Radiation-Related Cancer Deaths, Study Finds

August 25, 2026

A new study examining more than 12 million death certificates has found that flight attendants and pilots had the highest percentages of deaths from radiation-related cancers among more than 500 occupations studied.

The findings may be particularly relevant to people who have spent years working on high-altitude flights. According to the study, people who work at high altitudes can experience greater exposure to cosmic radiation, which comes from space.

Study Examines More Than 12 Million Death Certificates

The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed national data from more than 12 million death certificates that included information about occupations. Researchers examined deaths from cancers associated with radiation exposure, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and cancers affecting the skin, breast, thyroid, prostate, and central nervous system.

Among the occupations examined, flight attendants had the highest percentage of deaths from these radiation-related cancers, while pilots ranked second.

Researchers reported that flight attendants had about 50% higher odds of dying from a radiation-related cancer than the general working population. For pilots, the odds were about 36% higher.

In absolute terms, approximately 6.9% of deaths among flight attendants were from the cancers examined in the study, compared with 6.7% among pilots and 5% among the general working population.

Researchers Say the Findings Require Further Consideration

The study does not establish the amount of radiation exposure experienced by individual flight attendants or pilots. Researchers also noted that some occupations may have been incorrectly classified on death certificates.

Another potential factor the researchers could not account for was disruption to the body’s internal clock. Jet lag, crossing time zones and irregular work schedules can affect sleep and circadian rhythms, which may also influence cancer risk.

Two radiation experts who were not involved in the study wrote that the findings provide additional evidence concerning the potential relationship between occupational radiation exposure and cancer deaths.

The study also noted that the Federal Aviation Administration has acknowledged that aircrews are exposed to ionizing radiation. However, according to the researchers, federal dose limits and monitoring requirements are not currently in place.

What the Findings Could Mean for Flight Crews

The researchers and accompanying commentary authors emphasized the potential importance of health monitoring for people who regularly work on high-altitude flights.

The commentary suggested that annual skin examinations may be appropriate for people working on high-altitude flights. It also suggested that women working in those occupations may want to discuss earlier or more frequent mammograms with their doctors.

The authors also recommended that physicians caring for pilots and flight attendants maintain a heightened awareness of cancer when evaluating patients in those professions.

Importantly, the researchers acknowledged that their study has limitations, and the findings do not establish the amount of occupational radiation exposure experienced by any particular individual.

Workers Who Develop Serious Illnesses May Have Legal Questions

For flight attendants, pilots, and other workers who develop serious illnesses, determining whether an illness may be connected to workplace conditions can involve complicated questions about the person’s employment history, potential exposures, and available evidence.

Anyone who believes they may have suffered an injury or illness related to their work should consider speaking with an attorney about their individual circumstances. An attorney can review the available information and explain what legal options, if any, may apply.

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates represents individuals and families in personal injury matters. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious illness or injury and you have questions about your legal rights, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your options.