Risk of Melanoma High in Airline Pilots and Cabin Crew: Study

Cabin crew and airline staff have increased risk of developing melanoma, warns a study.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer that will affect at least 76,100 Americans this year, according to estimates by the American Cancer Society. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays harms the skin causing damages, blemishes, wrinkles and spots that eventually translate to skin cancer. Sun safety habits like application of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and spending less time outdoors during the hot seasons helps avert the risk of getting the disease. Recently, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found flight attendants and pilots who work 40,000 feet above the ground have greater possibility of suffering the condition, reports the L A Times.

The experts used data from past studies on skin cancer to assess the amount of UV exposure airline staff have. Their analysis revealed both pilots and cabin crew had elevated chances of having melanoma compared to those who worked on the ground. The mortality risk for pilots was 83 percent high and 73 percent for those working in the main cabin. Pilots and cabin crew had 22.2 and 2.09 times greater chances of being diagnosed with melanoma.

Pilots and air hostesses absorb cosmic radiation that is higher than the maximum limit of 20 millisieverts per year while an average American receives up to 3.6 millisieverts annually, according the Environmental Protection agency.

UV radiation penetrates through glass surfaces and is stronger near mountainous and cloudy regions. Powerful UV light destroys DNA and mutates cells leading to tumor growth and cancer. In addition, the authors also observed that getting a salon skin tan is common among flight staff. This behavior augments their likelihood for melanoma.

More information is available online in the JAMA Dermatology.