US EditionNuclear Missile Workers Are Contracting Cancer. They Blame the Bases.
A University of North Carolina study found a statistically significant rise in non-Hodgkin lymphoma among missileers, with cases diagnosed at younger ages than the national average.
- Concerns about hazardous working conditions have arisen among U.S. service members assigned to nuclear missile sites located in regions including Montana and Wyoming, where a significant cancer cluster has been identified.
- In response to concerns, the Air Force initiated an extensive study into cancer occurrences and environmental conditions at three ICBM sites along with a launch installation in California, with the objective of finishing the investigation by the close of 2025.
- The Air Force is conducting a study examining 14 common cancer types among missile personnel and the broader U.S. population, while also evaluating environmental factors at the Malmstrom, F.E. Warren, Minot, and Vandenberg bases to investigate potential links to cancer risk.
- Preliminary findings indicate that missileers do not experience higher cancer mortality rates compared to the general population; in fact, death rates for several common cancer types—including certain lymphomas, respiratory system cancers, digestive tract cancers, and those affecting the male reproductive system—are notably lower. Nevertheless, Air Force Col. Richard Speakman emphasizes that while health risks remain minimal, they cannot be entirely ruled out.
- The Air Force's findings have prompted legislative actions, including Rep. Don Bacon's amendment calling for external scientific review, while advocates like Danny Sebeck urge including missileers in the PACT Act to secure benefits amid difficulties proving exposure links.
15 Articles
15 Articles
NBC Montana
Nuclear Missile Workers Are Contracting Cancer. They Blame the Bases.
At a memorial service in 2022, veteran Air Force Capt. Monte Watts bumped into a fellow former Minuteman III nuclear missile operator, who told him that she had
Montana Free Press
Nuclear missile workers are contracting cancer. They blame the bases.
At a memorial service in 2022, veteran Air Force Capt. Monte Watts bumped into a fellow former Minuteman III nuclear missile operator, who told him that she had non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This story also appeared in KFF Health News Watts knew other missileers with similar cancers. But the connection really hit home later that same January day, when the results of a blood test revealed that Watts himself had chronic lymphocytic …
Fairfield Sun Times
Cancer Clusters? Nuclear missile workers are contracting cancer and they blame the bases
The Air Force’s Missile Community Cancer Study compares 14 types of common cancers in the general U.S. population and the missile community and also studies the environments at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, F.E. Warren Air Force Base in…
Nuclear missile workers are contracting cancer. They blame the bases. • Daily Montanan
An Air Force firefighter repels down a training missile silo during a training exercise at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming on Oct. 26, 2024. (Hunter C. Kirkland/U.S. Air Force)At a memorial service in 2022, veteran Air Force Capt. Monte Watts bumped into a fellow former Minuteman III nuclear missile operator, who told him that she had non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Watts knew other missileers with similar cancers. But the connection really hit home…
US Air Force investigation into cancer among nuclear missile workers must be replicated in Scotland
Closing today, support Talking-up Scotland's work to counter the lies and get you the facts, daily, at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/checkout/help-talking-up-scotland-tell-truth-about-scotland/payment/nBQxjVzq/details or by direct bank transfer method - John Robertson, Sort code 08-91-04, Account 12266421 Professor John Robertson OBA From the Washington Spectator yesterday: Over 800 Air Force personnel have independently reported cases of cance…
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