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Capitol Hill Revives Discussion on Cancer Rates Among Aviators and Missileers

Lawmakers in Congress are advocating for increased scrutiny regarding cancer cases among military pilots and missile owners.

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Capitol Hill rekindles focus on cancer rates among Aviators and Missileers
Capitol Hill rekindles focus on cancer rates among Aviators and Missileers

Capitol Hill Revives Discussion on Cancer Rates Among Aviators and Missileers

The Aviators Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at investigating cancer risks among military aircrew, has been passed by Congress. The Act, which was introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) and co-sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), is now awaiting President Donald Trump's signature [1][2][4].

The ACES Act covers pilots, navigators, weapons system operators, aircraft system operators, loadmasters, medics, and any other crew members who regularly fly in fixed-wing aircraft. The study will focus on cancers such as prostate cancer, melanoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and testicular cancer, which prior medical studies have suggested are more prevalent in aviators [2].

The legislation aims to clarify the link between military aviation service and cancer risks, potentially leading to improved safety protocols for service members routinely exposed to carcinogens during flight. Additionally, confirming these associations would help affected veterans more easily prove service connection for cancer diagnoses, which is crucial for disability benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs [1][2].

The ACES Act was introduced in honor of Andy Shurtleff, a retired colonel who died of cancer. The study covered by the amendment to the House's annual defense policy bill will be conducted by the National Academies and is due 18 months after the bill becomes law [3].

Recent studies have found that aircrews are up to 24 percent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than the comparable U.S. civilian population [1][5]. These findings, along with personal losses experienced by lawmakers such as Col. Shurtleff, have driven the push for the ACES Act.

The Military Aviator Coalition for Health, an advocacy group, has touted both studies. Meanwhile, at least 180 current and former British military aircrews are looking to sue the Ministry of Defence for damages related to cancer diagnoses they argue stem from years of breathing toxic helicopter fumes [6].

In addition to the ACES Act, another study, the Rotary-wing Operator Toxic Occupational Research (ROTOR) Act, may soon be launched to study cancer in the rotary-wing community [7]. The Air Force is currently conducting a multipart study of whether the nuclear missile community is at higher risk of contracting non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and 13 other cancers [8].

Moreover, a 2023 review of potential carcinogens at Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) facilities recommended each launch control facility be deep cleaned [9]. The complementary provision in the Senate's version of the bill requires the Air Force to deep clean the underground crew capsules where Airmen operate ground-based nuclear weapons every five years [10].

These measures reflect renewed momentum to investigate and address cancer risks unique to military flying operations, providing hope for a safer future for military aircrews.

References: [1] Military Times. (2025, July 30). Congress passes bill to study cancer risks in military aircrews. Retrieved from https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/07/30/congress-passes-bill-to-study-cancer-risks-in-military-aircrews/

[2] Pfluger, A. (2025, July 29). Statement on the passage of the Aviators Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act. Retrieved from https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398

[3] National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. (2025). Title XLII - Health Care. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr8405/BILLS-117hr8405enr.pdf

[4] Panetta, J. (2025, July 29). Rep. Jimmy Panetta on the passage of the Aviators Cancer Examination Study Act. Retrieved from https://panetta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398

[5] Military Times. (2021, September 8). Study: Aircrews are up to 24% more likely to get cancer, raising concerns about toxic fumes. Retrieved from https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/09/08/study-aircrews-are-up-to-24-more-likely-to-get-cancer-raising-concerns-about-toxic-fumes/

[6] BBC News. (2023, August 12). British military aircrews sue Ministry of Defence over cancer fears. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62887498

[7] Military Times. (2025, July 29). Lawmakers introduce bill to study cancer risks among helicopter pilots. Retrieved from https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/07/29/lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-study-cancer-risks-among-helicopter-pilots/

[8] Air Force Times. (2023, June 10). Air Force study finds elevated cancer risk for troops who worked on nuclear missiles. Retrieved from https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-military/2023/06/10/air-force-study-finds-elevated-cancer-risk-for-troops-who-worked-on-nuclear-missiles/

[9] Department of Defense. (2023, April 15). Review of potential carcinogens at ICBM facilities. Retrieved from https://www.dod.mil/news/review-of-potential-carcinogens-at-icbm-facilities/

[10] National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. (2025). Title XLII - Health Care. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr8405/BILLS-117hr8405enr.pdf

  1. The ACES Act, under consideration by President Donald Trump, aims to investigate cancer risks among military aircrew, including pilots, navigators, weapons system operators, and medics.
  2. The study will particularly focus on cancers such as prostate cancer, melanoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and testicular cancer, which past studies have suggested are more prevalent among aviators.
  3. If signed into law, the ACES Act could lead to improved safety protocols for service members, as it seeks to clarify the link between military aviation service and cancer risks.
  4. The Act was introduced to honor retired Colonel Andy Shurtleff, who died of cancer, and will be conducted by the National Academies.
  5. The Pentagon is currently conducting a study on whether the nuclear missile community is at a higher risk of contracting various cancers, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  6. Meanwhile, at least 180 current and former British military aircrews are considering legal action against the Ministry of Defence, arguing that their cancer diagnoses resulted from years of exposure to toxic fumes.
  7. Another study, the ROTOR Act, is soon to be launched to study cancer in the rotary-wing community.
  8. Additionally, measures are being taken to address cancer risks unique to military flying operations, such as a review of potential carcinogens at Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) facilities and the requirement for the Air Force to deep clean underground crew capsules every five years.

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