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Air Force fighter pilots face an increased risk of testicular and prostate cancers, though the exact reason why can not be determined, a study finds.
The Department of the Air Force published a massive study with nearly 450,000 participants in May, finding the fighter pilots and weapons systems officers were 29 percent more likely to develop testicular cancer, 24 percent more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma and 23 percent more likely to have prostate cancer.
While the findings are not surprising, as many Air Force experts and insiders have noticed an uptick in these cases among pilots, the findings confirm a worrying trend.
Why exactly pilots are at such an increased risk can not be determined, though.
A recent study by the Air Force finds that fighter pilots and weapons system officers are up to 30% more likely to develop some forms of cancer than their peers in the branch (file photo)
'Current and former fighter aviators are encouraged to discuss this report with their flight surgeon or primary care provider, including such topics as ultraviolet radiation protection and its impact on vitamin D, lifestyle
