Pilots spend hours in the cockpit, with their skin exposed to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. UV radiation is a significant risk factor for skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the United States.

While many people may associate skin cancer with excessive sun exposure, research has shown that pilots are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer than the general population.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the skin’s cells. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

While basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are less dangerous and more common, they can be disfiguring if not treated promptly. Melanomas, on the other hand, are less common but more deadly. They can spread to other parts of the body and are harder to treat once they have metastasized.

How does UV Radiation Cause Skin Cancer?

UV radiation causes skin cancer by damaging the DNA in skin cells. The DNA damage can lead to mutations that cause the cells to grow out of control and form tumors.

The harmful effects of UV radiation are cumulative, meaning that the damage builds up over time. This is why people who have had a lot of sun exposure throughout their lives are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

Why are Pilots More at Risk?

Pilots are more at risk of developing skin cancer due to their prolonged exposure to UV radiation. In the cockpit, pilots are at high altitudes, which exposes them to more UV radiation than people on the ground.

The atmosphere is also thinner at higher altitudes, which means there is less protection from UV radiation. Additionally, the windows in airplanes do not block UV radiation and may even amplify it, causing more damage to the skin.

Another factor that puts pilots at risk is the time of day they fly. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so pilots who fly during these hours are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer.

Finally, pilots may not be aware of their risk and may not take steps to protect themselves from the sun. They may also have limited access to sunscreen and protective clothing while flying.

What Can Pilots Do to Protect Themselves?

There are several things pilots can do to protect themselves from skin cancer while flying. One of the most important is to wear sunscreen.

Pilots should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 and apply it evenly to all exposed skin. It’s also essential to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if sweating or spending time in water.

Another way pilots can protect themselves is by wearing protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats with wide brims that shade the face, neck, and ears.

Clothing made from tightly woven fabric offers the best protection, and colors like white, beige, and pastels are best at reflecting the sun’s heat and reducing the absorption of UV radiation.

Pilots can also take steps to avoid flying during the sun’s peak hours. By scheduling flights earlier or later in the day, pilots can reduce their exposure to UV radiation and lower their risk of developing skin cancer.

Finally, pilots need to be aware of their risk and educate themselves on how to protect themselves from the sun. This includes getting regular skin checks with a dermatologist and reporting any suspicious moles or growths to a medical professional promptly.

Conclusion

Pilots are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer due to their prolonged exposure to UV radiation.

While there are several ways to protect oneself from the sun while flying, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and scheduling flights outside of peak hours, it’s essential for pilots to be aware of their risk and take steps to prevent skin cancer. By taking preventative measures, pilots can lower their chances of developing this potentially deadly disease.