Study Summary: Phase 2

Military Aviators Cancer Study (MACS) Phase 2

The Phase 2 study is required to investigate and identify the occupational and environmental risk factors contributing to the elevated cancer rates identified in Phase 1. The CDAS MACS database includes additional resources not available in Phase 1. Additional cancer sites are available to explore excess cancer risk in the Military Aviators Cancer study beyond those identified at higher risk in Phase 1.

Data and specimen submissions

All requests for data or serum must be structured to investigate one or more of the below risk factors related to military exposures and cancer risk, including:

• Toxic and hazardous exposures – Identify carcinogenic toxins and hazardous materials associated with military flight operations from shipboard or land-based facilities, such as fuels, fumes, and other liquids.
• Operating environments – Assess environments where covered individuals may have been exposed to ionizing radiation (from high-altitude flight) or nonionizing radiation (from airborne, ground, or shipboard radars, and electromagnetic fields).
• Service-related factors – Document each covered individual’s duty stations, dates of service, aircraft flown, and additional duties (e.g., Landing Safety Officer, Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer, Air Liaison Officer, Tactical Air Control Party, or roles in aircraft maintenance, supply, logistics, fuels, or transportation) that could have elevated cancer risk.
• High-risk duty locations or roles – Identify service locations or specific duties correlated with higher incidences of cancer.
• Non-aviation exposures – Evaluate additional military-related exposures, including burn pits or toxins found in water, soil, bases, or housing.
• Screening guidelines – Determine the appropriate age and conditions for initiating cancer screening, taking into account race, gender, flying hours, service period, branch of service, type of aircraft, mission, and aviation support roles.