A new bill proposed in the House of Representatives is set to tackle the concerning cancer risks faced by military aviators.
This legislation aims to investigate how active duty servicemembers may be more susceptible to a range of diseases, thereby renewing attention on the potential link between military aviation and long-term cancer risks as Congress considers new measures.
Aviator Cancers Examination Study Act (ACES)
Referred to as the “Aviator Cancers Examination Study Act” (ACES), this initiative calls on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to delve into the alarming 15% increase in cancer incidence and mortality rates among active aircrew.
Previous studies have highlighted this disturbing trend, and the investigation will focus on various aviation personnel—including pilots and navigators—who regularly operate fixed-wing aircraft across all branches of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
This bipartisan proposal, introduced in January by Representatives August Pfluger (R-Texas) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), seeks to engage the VA Secretary in collaboration with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The goal is to evaluate the prevalence and death rates linked to multiple types of cancer, such as brain, lung, and prostate cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The study will also investigate the environmental factors, including various chemicals and agents, that might contribute to these heightened cancer risks.
Legislative Support and Goals
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), a former Navy pilot, emphasized the importance of understanding the hazards aircrews face.
In a press announcement about the Senate counterpart to this bill, he spoke about the daily sacrifices made by aviators, underscoring the necessity of recognizing these hidden dangers.
The legislation’s main objective is to explore the correlation between military aviation service and cancer risk, which could lead to better monitoring and intervention strategies for service members.
Additionally, it intends to shape future occupational health and safety policies based on insights drawn from the research, according to a fact sheet shared by Pfluger’s office.
A spokesperson for Pfluger pointed out that while preliminary evidence suggests a link between military aviation and cancer risk, in-depth data is essential to fully comprehend this relationship and ensure military personnel receive appropriate care.
Recent Findings and Focus of Investigation
Findings from a study by the 711th Human Performance Wing have shown increased occurrences of prostate and melanoma cancers among aviators.
Moreover, a preliminary investigation by the Department of Defense in May 2024 discovered a higher prevalence of cancer among military aviators and their ground crew, revealing that aircrew members experience a 15% higher cancer rate compared to the general U.S. population.
While the initial Pentagon study examined cancer rates among active aircrews, ground crews, and even those without TRICARE coverage, the new congressional inquiry will concentrate specifically on active-duty personnel who have served on fixed-wing aircraft.
This focused “incidence analysis” aims to deepen insights into how aviation service correlates with cancer development and to identify factors contributing to higher cancer rates among veteran aviators.
Although similar legislation has been proposed in previous congressional sessions, it was included in the House’s fiscal year 2023 defense bill but ultimately did not pass.
Reflecting on this latest effort, Pfluger, a former fighter pilot himself, expressed optimism that this initiative could provide aviator veterans with critical information regarding their healthcare options through the VA.
He firmly believes that individuals who have bravely served should have assurances that their health concerns will be adequately addressed.
The ACES Act seeks to ensure that the VA thoroughly investigates the potential links between aviation and cancer, ultimately fostering effective care and treatment for all service members.
Source: Taskandpurpose.com