Working as a flight attendant offers a unique career filled with exciting travel opportunities, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. However, like many professions, it comes with its own set of health risks. One of the primary concerns for cabin crew is the elevated risk of certain cancers. From exposure to cosmic radiation at high altitudes to disrupted sleep patterns and UV radiation exposure, flight attendants face unique occupational hazards that could potentially increase their cancer risk.

In this article, we’ll get into the specific risks cabin crew face and explore how they can minimise their exposure. This information is crucial not only for those already working as flight attendants but also for aspiring cabin crew members who are curious about the health challenges that come with the job.

Cosmic radiation exposure at high altitudes

Flight attendants are regularly exposed to cosmic ionising radiation, a form of radiation that comes from outer space and is stronger at higher altitudes. Unlike ground-level workers, who are mostly protected by the earth’s atmosphere, cabin crew and pilots experience greater exposure while flying. According to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, flight crew members are exposed to more radiation than most U.S. radiation workers[1].

The concern arises because ionising radiation has been shown to damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. Studies have found that flight attendants, due to their time spent at high altitudes, receive higher doses of this radiation over time[2][3]. Although the long-term effects are still being researched, there is a clear link between cosmic radiation exposure and increased risk of cancers like skin and breast cancer.

Disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep patterns

Another contributing factor to cabin crew’s elevated cancer risk is circadian rhythm disruption. Flight attendants frequently work irregular hours, crossing multiple time zones, and working overnight shifts. This chronic disruption to their internal body clock has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer[4].

Research has shown that irregular sleep patterns can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can affect cell growth and repair processes, making the body more susceptible to cancer. One study even found that female flight attendants, especially those who started working at a young age or have had long tenures, have a higher prevalence of breast cancer compared to the general population[5].

Skin cancer risk due to UV exposure

Flight attendants are also at a higher risk of developing skin cancer, especially melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. This increased risk is attributed to higher exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during flights. While UV radiation is most commonly associated with outdoor sun exposure, it’s important to remember that airplanes fly at high altitudes where the atmosphere provides less protection from UV rays[6][7].

Windows on aircraft do not completely block out UV rays, meaning that cabin crew members flying during daylight hours are still exposed to UV radiation. A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that flight attendants had significantly higher rates of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers compared to the general population[8].

A reflective male cabin crew member contemplating cancer risks inside an airport terminal.
Image: CabinCrew24

Elevated breast cancer risk in female cabin crew

Several studies have highlighted the increased risk of breast cancer among female flight attendants, especially those who have worked in the profession for a long time. The combination of cosmic radiation exposure, disrupted circadian rhythms, and possibly chemical contaminants in the cabin may contribute to this risk[9]​[10].

Interestingly, research has shown that female flight attendants who have never had children or those who have had multiple children are at even higher risk. This may be due to a combination of work-related and reproductive factors that affect hormone levels[11]. Some experts believe that minimising circadian disruption through better scheduling could potentially help lower this risk.

Higher rates of other cancers among cabin crew

Beyond skin and breast cancers, flight attendants are also at an increased risk for a range of other cancers, including thyroid, uterine, cervical, and gastrointestinal cancers. These findings come from a comprehensive study that compared cancer rates among flight attendants to those of the general population[12].

The researchers found that flight attendants had a higher prevalence of every cancer examined in the study, with particularly elevated rates of thyroid and uterine cancers. For male cabin crew, there was a notable increase in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, especially among those who were exposed to secondhand smoke before smoking was banned on flights[13].

Mitigating the risks: What can be done?

While cabin crew are undoubtedly exposed to higher risks, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate these dangers:

  • Wear sunscreen: To combat the risk of skin cancer, it’s essential for flight attendants to use sunscreen while flying, especially during daytime flights. Clothing with UV protection can also provide an added layer of defence against harmful radiation.
  • Monitor radiation exposure: Flight attendants should be aware of their radiation exposure and, where possible, limit the number of long-haul and high-altitude flights. Some airlines already monitor radiation exposure, particularly in the European Union, where regulations require such monitoring[14].
  • Adopt healthy lifestyle choices: Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce cancer risk. These lifestyle choices are particularly important for flight attendants, who already face increased risks due to their occupation[15].
  • Regular health screenings: Early detection is critical, especially for cancers like skin and breast cancer. Flight attendants should undergo regular cancer screenings and see a healthcare professional if they notice any concerning symptoms.

Stay informed and take action

Working as a flight attendant offers many rewards, but it’s crucial to stay informed about the potential health risks. The combination of cosmic radiation, UV exposure, and disrupted sleep patterns can increase cancer risk, but by taking preventative measures, cabin crew can help reduce these dangers.

Are you currently working as a flight attendant, or are you considering joining the profession? What are your concerns about health risks like cancer? We invite you to share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below.

If you’re looking for more information, head over to our cabin crew forum, where experienced flight attendants can answer your questions. And if you’re ready to explore exciting job opportunities in the aviation industry, check out our cabin crew jobs page for the latest openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are flight attendants at risk of cancer?

Flight attendants face higher cancer risks due to cosmic radiation exposure at high altitudes, disrupted sleep patterns from irregular schedules, and increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure during flights. These factors can damage DNA and lead to higher cancer risks.

2. What is cosmic radiation, and how does it affect flight attendants?

Cosmic radiation comes from outer space, and at high altitudes, the atmosphere provides less protection against it. Flight attendants are exposed to higher levels of ionising radiation, which can damage DNA and increase cancer risk, particularly skin and breast cancer.

3. How does disrupted sleep affect cancer risk for cabin crew?

Flight attendants often work irregular hours and cross time zones, leading to disrupted circadian rhythms. This disruption has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer, due to hormonal imbalances that affect cell growth and repair.

4. Why are flight attendants at higher risk of skin cancer?

Flight attendants are exposed to more UV radiation at high altitudes, where the atmosphere offers less protection. Windows on airplanes do not fully block UV rays, increasing the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

5. Are female flight attendants at greater risk for breast cancer?

Yes, female flight attendants face a higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like cosmic radiation, disrupted sleep, and possibly chemical exposure. Long tenures and work-related hormonal imbalances may also contribute to this elevated risk.

6. Are there other types of cancer flight attendants are more likely to develop?

Flight attendants are at higher risk for a range of cancers, including thyroid, uterine, cervical, and gastrointestinal cancers. Men in the profession are also at increased risk for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

7. What can flight attendants do to reduce their cancer risk?

Flight attendants can mitigate risks by wearing sunscreen during daylight flights, monitoring their radiation exposure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and undergoing regular cancer screenings. These steps can help reduce the impact of their unique occupational risks.

References:

1. BJM Journals. (2002, July 1) “Occupational & Environmental Medicine.” BJM Journals Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

2. Harvard School of Public Health. (2018, June 25). “U.S. flight attendants at elevated risk of several forms of cancer.” Harvard School of Public Health Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

3. BJM Journals. (2002, July 1) “Occupational & Environmental Medicine.” BJM Journals Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

4. BioMed Central. (2018, June 26) “Cancer prevalence among flight attendants compared to the general population.” BioMed Central Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

5. Harvard School of Public Health. (2018, June 25). “U.S. flight attendants at elevated risk of several forms of cancer.” Harvard School of Public Health Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

6. BJM Journals. (2002, July 1) “Occupational & Environmental Medicine.” BJM Journals Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

7. Harvard School of Public Health. (2018, June 25). “U.S. flight attendants at elevated risk of several forms of cancer.” Harvard School of Public Health Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

8. BioMed Central. “US flight crew have higher cancer rates than general population.” BioMed Central Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

9. Harvard School of Public Health. (2018, June 25). “U.S. flight attendants at elevated risk of several forms of cancer.” Harvard School of Public Health Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024..

10. BioMed Central. “US flight crew have higher cancer rates than general population.” BioMed Central Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

11. BioMed Central. (2018, June 26) “Cancer prevalence among flight attendants compared to the general population.” BioMed Central Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

12. BioMed Central. “US flight crew have higher cancer rates than general population.” BioMed Central Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

13. BioMed Central. “US flight crew have higher cancer rates than general population.” BioMed Central Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

14. BJM Journals. (2002, July 1) “Occupational & Environmental Medicine.” BJM Journals Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

15. BioMed Central. “US flight crew have higher cancer rates than general population.” BioMed Central Website. Retrieved October 1, 2024.