NASA has linked potential Long-Term Health (LTH) risks of astronauts to their spaceflight experience, including the effects of space radiation, microgravity, and stressors such as isolation, sleep deprivation, and stress. Therefore, assessing the LTH outcomes for astronauts exposed to these hazards becomes a critical investigation in ensuring any deleterious effects are minimal. Prior research conducted into LTH outcomes of astronauts has not revealed increases in non-accidental mortality rates when compared to the U.S. general population, analog healthy cohorts, and professional athletes. One study did report an increased incidence of non-fatal cardiovascular disease events (Hazard Ratio=2.41, 95% Confidence Interval 1.26 to 4.63). Additional evidence indicates that astronauts may have increases in incidences of melanoma, prostate, and hematologic cancers, though the former is consistent with rates observed among aircraft pilots and the latter two are likely caused by detection bias due to increased screening on former astronauts.
Assessing Long-Term Health (LTH) Outcomes in Astronauts
Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop (IWS) ; 2024 ; Galveston, TX, US
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