Incidence of cancer among Nordic airline pilots over five decades: occupational cohort study

EDITOR- The only cancer shown to have an increase in incidence was
skin cancer. I would be interested to know if this was in long haul as
opposed to short haul pilots. As a commercial pilot’s spouse I am aware
that airline pilots who fly long haul tend to go to warm or tropical
destinations and have a few days stop over before flying home. Usually
the time is spent, at least in part, sunbathing, a risky occupation for
Nordic skins. A previous increased incidence of melanoma has been shown
in airline pilots.1, 2 I suspect their increased skin cancers incidence
may be more post- than in-flight.

1. Nicholas JS, Butler GC, Lackland DT, Tessier GS, Mohr LC Jr, Hoel
DG. Health among commercial pilots. Aviation Space and Environmental
Medicine 2001; 72: 821-826

2. Rafnsson V, Hrafnkelsson J, Tulinius H. Incidence of cancer among
commercial airline pilots. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2000;
57: 175-179