Skin Cancer in Pilots: A Real Risk Above the Clouds

Posted by Shades2Fly Team | June 2025

Pilots spend hundreds — even thousands — of hours flying above the clouds, often surrounded by bright sunlight at high altitudes. But few realize that this constant exposure to solar radiation puts them at a significantly higher risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms.

The Science: Why the Cockpit Is a High-Risk Zone

According to research published in JAMA Dermatology, pilots flying for one hour at 30,000 feet receive UV-A radiation equivalent to 20 minutes on a tanning bed. The aircraft windshield blocks most UV-B rays, but UV-A rays — which penetrate deeper into the skin — still pass through many cockpit windows.

These rays can cause DNA damage, accelerate skin aging, and increase the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, especially when exposure is prolonged and unprotected.

The Statistics Are Clear

• Pilots are 2.2 times more likely to develop melanoma than the general population.

• Cumulative exposure over years makes career aviators particularly vulnerable.

• Many pilots underestimate the need for sun protection due to the illusion of being “indoors.”

  
  

Sunscreen Isn’t Enough

While sunscreen helps, it’s not always practical for long-haul flights or repeated reapplication. That's why physical protection, such as UV-filtering cockpit sunshades, becomes a first line of defense.

At Shades2Fly, we develop specialized sunshades designed specifically for pilots of aircraft like the Airbus A320, Boeing 737, 777, 787, and ATR42. Our sunshades are crafted with advanced materials that reduce glare, minimize heat, and block harmful UV radiation — without compromising visibility or cockpit safety.

What You Can Do as a Pilot

• Use certified UV-blocking sunshades during cruise.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and polarized sunglasses with UV protection.

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin, even in the cockpit.