WASHINGTON, DC — Tuesday, Representative August Pfluger reintroduced the Aviator Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act, with the bipartisan support of co-lead Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19).

Pilots and aircrew have been found to have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and melanoma, with possible links to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and testicular cancer. Pfluger’s ACES Act directs the Secretary of the VA to study cancer incidence and mortality rates among aviators and aircrew who served in the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

The ACES Act will help advance research on any correlation between aviator service and cancer rates to better assist veterans and active service members. The ACES Act passed the House of Representatives in the 117^th Congress.

Rep. August Pfluger: “As a former fighter pilot, I know first-hand the risks that airmen and women take every day when they step into the cockpit. After putting their lives on the line in the line of duty for their country, airmen and women deserve assurances that they will be taken care of and not put in undue danger. The VA must completely understand any links between aviation and cancer incidence to properly care for our service members. I’m grateful for the partnership of my friend Rep. Jimmy Panetta in introducing this legislation that allows us to take better care of our veterans.”

“The evidence that’s out there seems to demonstrate a clear link between the service of our airmen to an elevated risk of developing certain cancers,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan legislation will authorize a study to help develop more evidence to better understand this disease and its relation to those types of assignments.  The study would not only help prove that connection, but it would also empower our military and veteran health care providers with the knowledge to best serve the aviators and aircrew who serve our country.”

Aviator Cancers Examination Study Act

• The ACES Act directs the Secretary of the VA to work with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study the prevalence and mortality of cancer among individuals who served as active-duty aircrew in the Armed Forces.
• The study will be submitted to the Secretary of the VA, the Secretaries of Defense, the Navy, the Air Force, and both Senate and House VA Committees.
• By better understanding the correlation between aviator service and cancer, we can assist our military and provide more adequate care for our veterans.