Capitol Hill Focuses Renewed Scrutiny on Aviator and Missileer Cancer Rates
Military Aviators and Cancer: A Growing Concern
In a significant development, the U.S. Congress has passed the Aviators Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act in 2021, initiating a comprehensive study on the prevalence and fatality rates of cancer diagnoses among active-duty military aircrews [1][2][3]. This study aims to provide a clearer understanding of cancer risks linked to military aviation, which could lead to improved safety protocols and facilitate veterans' access to disability benefits by establishing service-related cancer connections [1].
The ACES Act, which is awaiting President Donald Trump's signature, directs the nonprofit National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense, to analyze cancer incidence and mortality data using military and VA records [1][3]. The study covers pilots, navigators, weapons system and aircraft system operators, loadmasters, and medics who regularly fly in fixed-wing aircraft [1].
Earlier research from 2021 and 2023 found military aircrews have up to a 24 percent higher likelihood of receiving cancer diagnoses compared to the general U.S. civilian population [1]. The study aims to provide definitive answers on these elevated cancer risks.
In a parallel development, the Rotary-wing Operator Toxic Occupational Research (ROTOR) Act is also gaining traction. Although specifics about this legislation and associated studies are not yet available, it appears that like ACES, it focuses on studying cancer risks among helicopter (rotary-wing) operators exposed to toxic occupational hazards [1].
In the UK, the British military is investigating the link between military service and cancer, particularly in relation to the Sea King, Wessex, Puma, and Chinook helicopters [4]. At least 180 current and former British military aircrews are looking to sue the Ministry of Defence for damages related to cancer diagnoses stemming from years of breathing toxic helicopter fumes [4].
As these studies progress, there is a growing push for expanded research on elevated cancer rates among military aviators. Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), the co-sponsor of the ACES Act, introduced the bill in honor of his friend Andy Shurtleff, a retired colonel who died of cancer [1]. The Military Aviator Coalition for Health, an advocacy group, is supporting both the ACES Act and the potential rotary-wing cancer study [1].
In the Air Force, an amendment to the House's annual defense policy bill calls for the National Academies to review the findings of the Air Force's missile community cancer study and run its own study of the occupational health and safety hazards facing Airmen at Minuteman III missile facilities [1]. The Air Force conducted the first intensive cleaning of hardened bunkers in 2014, and a 2023 review of potential carcinogens at ICBM facilities recommended each launch control facility be deep cleaned [1].
These studies are crucial in understanding the potential risks faced by military aviators and in implementing measures to ensure their safety. The findings from these studies are expected within a year after enactment, reflecting ongoing research efforts as of mid-2025 [1].
References:
[1] Chang, K. (2025, July 22). Congress passes bill to study cancer risks in military pilots. The Hill. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/defense/569923-congress-passes-bill-to-study-cancer-risks-in-military-pilots
[2] Keller, C. (2023, June 13). New data shows troops face slightly elevated cancer risk compared to all Americans. Army Times. Retrieved from https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2023/06/13/new-data-shows-troops-face-slightly-elevated-cancer-risk-compared-to-all-americans/
[3] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2025). Aviators Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act. Retrieved from https://www.nap.edu/project/34170/aviators-cancer-examination-study-aces-act
[4] BBC News. (2025, July 23). Ex-military pilots plan cancer lawsuit against MoD. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62345968
- The Aviators Cancer Examination Study Act, launched in 2021, aims to delve into the prevalence and fatality rates of cancer diagnoses among active-duty military aircrews, investigating risks linked to military aviation.
- The study under the Aviators Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act covers pilots, navigators, weapons system operators, aircraft system operators, loadmasters, and medics who regularly fly in fixed-wing aircraft, analyzing data from military and VA records.
- Recent studies suggest that military aircrews have up to a 24 percent higher likelihood of receiving cancer diagnoses compared to the general U.S. civilian population, and the ACES Act seeks to provide definitive answers on these elevated cancer risks.
- The Rotary-wing Operator Toxic Occupational Research (ROTOR) Act, focusing on rotary-wing operators exposed to toxic occupational hazards, is gaining traction, although specifics about this legislation and associated studies are still unavailable.
- In the UK, the British military is investigating the link between military service and cancer, particularly in relation to certain helicopters, with at least 180 current and former British military aircrews planning to sue the Ministry of Defence for damages.
- The Air Force is taking steps to address potential risks faced by Airmen at Minuteman III missile facilities, with an amendment to the House's annual defense policy bill calling for a review of the findings of the Air Force's missile community cancer study and a separate study of the occupational health and safety hazards.
- The Military Aviator Coalition for Health, an advocacy group, is supporting both the ACES Act and the potential rotary-wing cancer study, citing the need for expanded research on elevated cancer rates among military aviators.
- Findings from these studies, which reflect ongoing research efforts as of mid-2025, are expected to provide essential insights into potential risks faced by military aviators and the implementation of measures to ensure their safety, including improved safety protocols and facilitating veterans' access to disability benefits by establishing service-related cancer connections.
