Expert Opinion
AINsight: Cancer and Flying, Part 1
Most pilots can continue flying even with a cancer diagnosis
medical implements
Photo: Pixabay

Receiving the diagnosis of any type of cancer will usually lead to a period of uncertainty and concern. Other than for a “simple” skin cancer, for example (and even those cancers are not always quite so simple), most cancer diagnoses cause strong emotional responses. This is completely understandable and expected.

After that ominous introduction, the good news is that most cancers are survivable. The process may be difficult and may also require lifelong monitoring after the initial treatment protocols. Yet, at other times, the treatment and follow-up may not be all that challenging or burdensome.

Robert Sancetta, M.D.
AIN Contributor
About the author

Dr. Robert Sancetta is a former DC-10 captain with 11,000 flight hours. He has worked as a Senior AME since 1993 and is appointed as AME Consultant to the FAA Federal Air Surgeon.

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