title: Cosmic radiation and cancer: is there a link?
abstract: Cosmic radiation can cause genetic and cytogenetic damage. Certain occupations including airline pilots and cabin crew are acknowledged to have a greater exposure to cosmic radiation. In a systematic search of MEDLINE, performed from 1990 to 2014, we analyzed clinical studies using the keywords: cosmic radiation, cancer, chromosome aberration, pilots and astronauts. Increased incidence of skin cancers among airline cabin crew has been reported in a number of studies and appears to be the most consistent finding. However, as with other cancers, it is unclear whether increased exposure to cosmic radiation is a factor in the increased incidence or whether this can be explained by lifestyle factors. Further research is needed to clarify the risk of cancer in relation to cosmic radiation.
authors: Unit of Medical Oncology & Innovative Therapy, Department of Melanoma, Sarcoma & Head & Neck Cancers, G Pascale Institute of National Tumor Foundation, Napoli, Italy.
authors: Rossella
authors: R
authors: Di Trolio
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Di Lorenzo
authors: Bruno
authors: B
authors: Fumo
authors: Paolo A
authors: PA
authors: Ascierto
mesh_terms: D000401:Aircraft; D018480:Astronauts; D003359:Cosmic Radiation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012306:Risk
keywords: astronauts; cancer; chromosome aberrations; circadian disruptions; cockpit crew; cohort study; cosmic radiation; mortality; occupational exposure; pilots