Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
22 February 2012 09:11
Cancer Research UK said airline passengers do not face any additional risk from cosmic radiation
Travellers who fly regularly do not have an increased risk of developing cancer, leading experts have said.
Airline passengers are sometimes thought to be more exposed to cosmic radiation, which reaches the earth from space and can damage DNA.
The earth's atmosphere shields us from the majority of this radiation, but it becomes thinner high above the earth's surface, suggesting that passengers in an aeroplane could be more exposed than those on the ground.
But Cancer Research UK has confirmed that flying on a commercial airline is a safe way to travel, with no increased risk from radiation.
The charity said airline passengers are no more at risk from cancer than anyone else, as they only receive a very small amount of radiation.
Those who have been diagnosed with cancer may be concerned about the difficulties of finding travel insurance with medical conditions, but a range of specialist policies are available to provide suitable cover.
Theoretically, no level of radiation can be considered to be completely safe, according to Cancer Research UK.
However, the low levels of radiation experienced by airline passengers are very unlikely to seriously affect cancer risk even among frequent flyers, the group added.
While the risk from cosmic radiation may be low, specialist policies such as breast cancer travel insurance can help provide peace of mind for passengers who have previously been diagnosed with the illness.
19 February 2019
Hundreds of passengers have had their travel plans cancelled following the collapse of airline flybmi.
[more...]
16 February 2019
Holidaymakers were left fuming after a "lack of clarity" over Brexit led a Romanian airline to cancel flights from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.
15 February 2019
British Airways celebrated Valentine's Day with a special flight where all members of the cabin crew were couples who work for the airline.
14 February 2019
The "concerning" level of stigma surrounding the human papilloma virus (HPV) could be putting some women off going for vital check-ups, campaigners are warning.
13 February 2019
Older people living with depression should be given better access to community activities and therapy instead of being prescribed antidepressants, researchers have urged.
12 February 2019
The Government has been criticised for failing to act on warnings about the link between processed meats and cancer, by the scientist who co-authored the original advice.
09 February 2019
A grandfather who has battled three types of cancer is cycling from Twickenham to Tokyo in time for the Rugby World Cup - all in aid of charity.
08 February 2019
Lovers of traditional fish and chips are embracing a more health-conscious version of their favourite food, a new study suggests.
07 February 2019
Two thirds of UK adults don't know they're able to lower their risk of developing dementia, new research has shown.
06 February 2019
More than 600 people a day are quitting their jobs to care for relatives, a charity has warned.
05 February 2019
Millennials in the US face an increasing risk of developing an obesity-related cancer, a new study has revealed.
02 February 2019
More than 100 people sought refuge at a pub high on Bodmin Moor overnight after heavy snowfall hit the A30, leading many stranded motorists to abandon their cars.