Melanoma Risk in Airplane Pilots
Faculty Mentor Name
Steve Waples, Dylan Miller, Robin Harris
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrate a twofold increased incidence of melanoma in pilots compared to the general population. Multiple factors, such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR), cosmic radiation, circadian rhythm disruption, and recreational UV exposure, can be attributed to this risk. UVR exposure is the most likely culprit for the increased risk of melanoma, as UVR exposure while flying may account for a high enough dose to cause UVR damage, a well-known cause of melanoma. Based on previous data, airplane pilots seem to lack the education and UVR protection habits that may contribute to melanoma incidence in this population.
To address the increased risk of melanoma in pilots, this project will review and summarize past studies, determine the knowledge and prevention practices of aviation students to decrease this risk early in their careers, and evaluate whether UVR exposure levels reach rates that could lead to melanoma. A questionnaire assessing the knowledge and UVR exposure prevention habits of Aeronautical Science majors at Embry-Riddle Prescott will provide information to ascertain whether aviation students are informed and taking sufficient measures to reduce their increased risk of melanoma. Following this survey, UV dosimeters worn by aviation students will be used to determine how much UVR exposure pilots are receiving during training.
The impact of this project will be to provide awareness to aviation students regarding the importance of sun safety measures given the risk of melanoma for pilots and to determine UVR doses during training. Results from this study will inform next steps for research aimed at reducing this significant occupational hazard for pilots. Next steps include curriculum recommendations for aviation students regarding melanoma risk and prevention measures to reduce these risks, evaluating cosmic radiation exposure through dosimeter measurements, and investigating materials that can be used in airplane manufacturing to reduce UVR and/or cosmic radiation exposure.
Melanoma Risk in Airplane Pilots
Previous studies demonstrate a twofold increased incidence of melanoma in pilots compared to the general population. Multiple factors, such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR), cosmic radiation, circadian rhythm disruption, and recreational UV exposure, can be attributed to this risk. UVR exposure is the most likely culprit for the increased risk of melanoma, as UVR exposure while flying may account for a high enough dose to cause UVR damage, a well-known cause of melanoma. Based on previous data, airplane pilots seem to lack the education and UVR protection habits that may contribute to melanoma incidence in this population.
To address the increased risk of melanoma in pilots, this project will review and summarize past studies, determine the knowledge and prevention practices of aviation students to decrease this risk early in their careers, and evaluate whether UVR exposure levels reach rates that could lead to melanoma. A questionnaire assessing the knowledge and UVR exposure prevention habits of Aeronautical Science majors at Embry-Riddle Prescott will provide information to ascertain whether aviation students are informed and taking sufficient measures to reduce their increased risk of melanoma. Following this survey, UV dosimeters worn by aviation students will be used to determine how much UVR exposure pilots are receiving during training.
The impact of this project will be to provide awareness to aviation students regarding the importance of sun safety measures given the risk of melanoma for pilots and to determine UVR doses during training. Results from this study will inform next steps for research aimed at reducing this significant occupational hazard for pilots. Next steps include curriculum recommendations for aviation students regarding melanoma risk and prevention measures to reduce these risks, evaluating cosmic radiation exposure through dosimeter measurements, and investigating materials that can be used in airplane manufacturing to reduce UVR and/or cosmic radiation exposure.