The authors of the study believe that this could be due to increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) and cosmic radiation related to high altitudes. Although officials routinely monitor levels of exposure to ionizing radiation, UV exposure is not usually recognized as an occupational hazard for pilots and cabin crew.
UV is, however, recognized as a major risk factor for the development of melanomas. UV is known to damage the DNA of skin cells, and when the DNA that controls the growth of skin cells is damaged, skin cancer can develop.
Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the US, and although melanoma accounts for less than 2% of skin cancers, it is known to cause the majority of skin cancer deaths.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), approximately 76,100 new melanomas will be diagnosed during 2014. The ACS estimate that around 9,710 people are expected to die from the condition in the US this year.