The FRA supports the “Aviator Cancers Examination Study Act” (S. 201). This legislation addresses the elevated cancer risks faced by military aviators by directing a comprehensive study to identify exposures linked to higher cancer incidence. While the general population faces lower cancer rates, military aviators have a 29% higher risk of testicular cancer, 24% higher risk of melanoma, and 23% higher risk of prostate cancer, among other cancers.

The legislation tasks the VA Secretary with collaborating with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study cancer prevalence and mortality among aviators, using VA, DoD, and national health data. This will inform targeted screening and preventive measures. Many military families rely on veterans’ benefits to cope with health challenges, and frequent deployments make early detection critical. Please ask your legislators to support this legislation.