One might assume that radiologists, nuclear medicine staff, or atomic industry workers are most frequently exposed to radiation. However, a new study reveals that the highest proportion of radiation-related cancer deaths occurs in a completely different profession... reports infohub.kz.

Researchers analyzed data on 12.7 million people from 503 occupations who died in the U.S. between 2020 and 2024. They compared mortality rates from various cancers and specifically identified diseases potentially linked to ionizing radiation. The findings were published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Aviation workers emerged as the at-risk group. Flight attendants topped the list, followed by pilots. Notably, for non-radiation-related cancers, these professions showed average rates.

Flight attendants had approximately 50% higher proportion of radiation-related cancer deaths compared to other occupations, while pilots showed about 36% higher.

It's important to note that the study does not prove that pilots receive more radiation than nuclear workers, nor does it rank occupations by radiation dose. The focus is specifically on radiation-related cancer.

Scientists attribute the main cause to cosmic radiation. At cruising altitudes, the atmosphere provides less protection from high-energy particles from space than at ground level. Crew members receive small doses of ionizing radiation on each flight.

The cumulative exposure depends on flight hours, altitude, and routes. At higher latitudes, doses can be greater.

Researchers estimate that pilots and flight attendants receive an average of 3–6 millisieverts of cosmic radiation annually, nearly twice the average natural background radiation people encounter in daily life.

This does not mean every flight is hazardous. What matters is long-term cumulative exposure. Additionally, statistics alone cannot confirm that an individual's cancer was caused by cosmic radiation.

Other occupational factors may also play a role: ultraviolet radiation, jet lag and disrupted circadian rhythms, frequent night shifts, and stress.

Nevertheless, for these professions, regular medical check-ups and special attention to health are crucial.

Previously, Kursiv Health reported on the launch of a smart radiation therapy system at an Almaty oncology center that protects healthy tissues from dangerous exposure.