A new study from Harvard University has found that flight attendants and pilots are twice as likely to develop cancer due to high levels of radiation exposure, shift work, and chronic sleep deprivation. While other risk factors such as smoking and obesity are less common in this profession, cosmic radiation can cause severe cell damage, mutations, and even death. The study analyzed health data from 5,366 US flight attendants and compared it to the general population, revealing that 15% of flight attendants had already been diagnosed with cancer, a significantly higher rate than the control group. The study also found that flight attendants had higher rates of breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and melanoma.
The study’s lead author, Irina Mordukhovich, noted that flight attendants are exposed to a range of factors that can cause cancer, including cosmic radiation, disruption of the circadian rhythm, and possible chemical contamination of airplane air. The study’s findings highlight the need for increased awareness and protection for flight attendants and pilots, who are among the most radiation-exposed professions. The study also underscores the importance of addressing other risk factors such as sleep deprivation and shift work, which can weaken the immune system and alter gene activity.
The study’s results are particularly concerning given the growing demand for air travel and the increasing number of flights worldwide. As more people take to the skies, it is essential to prioritize the health and safety of flight attendants and pilots, who play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the aviation industry. The study’s findings should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, airlines, and the public to take action to protect the health and well-being of those who work in this vital profession.
