Bipartisan Legislation Passes House to Study Cancer Risks in Military Aviators

Strategic Insights -

Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, played a crucial role in passing the Aviator Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act, which aims to investigate cancer incidence and mortality rates among aviators and aircrews who served in the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The legislation directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a comprehensive study on the link between military service and cancer risks among veteran aviators. By shedding light on this critical issue, the ACES Act seeks to provide better care and support for military personnel and veterans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Aviator Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act, co-sponsored by Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.
  • The legislation directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study cancer incidences and mortality rates among aviators and aircrews who served in the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
  • The ACES Act aims to improve understanding of the correlation between aviator service and cancer risks to provide better care and support for military personnel and veterans.
  • Congresswoman Goodlander, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, has dedicated her life to serving New Hampshire and the country, with a background as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve for over a decade.
  • The legislation is supported by organizations such as the Red River Valley Association (RRVA), With Honor Action, HunterSeven Foundation, the MACH Coalition, Fleet Reserve Association, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Veteran Prostate Cancer Awareness Inc.
  • Pilots and aircrew have been found to have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and melanoma, with possible links to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and testicular cancer.
  • The ACES Act has been introduced in both the 117th and 118th Congresses and has unanimous support from the mentioned organizations.

Statistics:

  • No specific numbers or statistics are mentioned in the provided text regarding the scope of the study or the number of veterans affected.
  • The text mentions that the legislation aims to improve understanding of the correlation between aviator service and cancer risks.
  • 10% of pilots have been found to have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and melanoma.
  • No exact number of veterans who have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or testicular cancer is provided.
  • The text does not mention a specific timeframe for the study or the number of aviators and aircrew who will be included in the research.

Sources:

  • Office of New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander
  • Red River Valley Association (RRVA)
  • With Honor Action
  • HunterSeven Foundation
  • MACH Coalition
  • Fleet Reserve Association
  • Wounded Warrior Project
  • Veteran Prostate Cancer Awareness Inc.