Thyroid cancer in Chinese military flight personnel: Characteristics and management advances

Abstract

Military flight personnel face a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer than the general population due to prolonged exposure to unique occupational hazards, including high-altitude hypoxia, ionizing radiation, extreme physiological and psychological stress, and irregular diets and work schedules. Thyroid cancer is also the most common malignant tumor among military flight personnel. Military flight personnel diagnosed with thyroid cancer or experiencing complications during treatment will be grounded, which will severely impact military flight combat effectiveness. To better understand characteristics of this disease among military flight personnel, we conducted a literature review of relevant domestic and international studies. This mini-review summarizes recent research progress on the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies for thyroid cancer in this cohort. The ultimate aim is to inform targeted preventive and therapeutic measures, establish a multidisciplinary system for early screening, standardized treatment, and aeromedical assessment, thereby safeguarding personnel health and ensuring flight safety.

Keywords: Military flight personnel; Thyroid cancer; Clinical features; Diagnosis; Treatment; Medical appraisal

Core Tip: Due to their unique occupational environment, military flight personnel face a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. This mini-review systematically examines the epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies for thyroid cancer in this cohort, with the aim of proposing targeted prevention and treatment measures. We recommend establishing a multidisciplinary system that encompasses early screening, standardized treatment, and aeromedical assessment to safeguard the health of military flight personnel and ensure flight safety.