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JAMA Study Finds Pilots’ Radiation Cancer Deaths Highest

8/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study published August 17, 2026 in JAMA Internal Medicine found pilots have highest and flight attendants second-highest radiation-related cancer death rates.
Flight attendants had 50 % higher odds and pilots 36 % higher odds of dying from radiation-related cancers; they comprised 6.9 % of flight-attendant deaths and 6.7 % of pilot deaths versus 5 % overall.
Union leader Sara Nelson urged exams and mammograms for women, noting the FAA acknowledges exposure but sets no limits.

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Story summary

A study published August 17, 2026 in JAMA Internal Medicine found pilots have highest and flight attendants second-highest radiation-related cancer death rates.
Flight attendants had 50 % higher odds and pilots 36 % higher odds of dying from radiation-related cancers; they comprised 6.9 % of flight-attendant deaths and 6.7 % of pilot deaths versus 5 % overall.
Union leader Sara Nelson urged exams and mammograms for women, noting the FAA acknowledges exposure but sets no limits.