Military Aircrew Cancer Cases Rise: 180 Seek Justice

CARDIFF, Wales, 2025-07-02

toxic Exposure? Veterans claim a link between fumes and cancer, urging action for those still serving.

Fumes in helicopters may be linked to cancer in aircrew veterans.

• At least 180 veterans are pursuing the ministry of Defence for compensation.
• The veterans claim toxic fumes in helicopters caused their cancers.
• RAF Flight Sergeant Zach Stubbings, who died in January at age 47, is among those who received a settlement from the MoD.
• A veterans group is urging the MoD to protect those still serving and raise awareness.
• The MoD maintains that engine exhaust emissions pose no health risk but is conducting monitoring.

What is the possible connection between helicopter fumes and cancer in UK military aircrew? the potential link between toxic fumes in helicopters and cancer among UK military aircrew is under scrutiny, as at least 180 veterans pursue compensation from the ministry of Defence.

Anna-Louise Stubbings

Flight sergeant Zach Stubbings trained the Prince of Wales on RAF Sea King helicopters during their time at RAF Valley in north Wales

RAF Flight Sergeant’s Story

RAF flight sergeant Zach Stubbings, who died in January at age 47, is one of at least six individuals who secured an out-of-court settlement from the mod. Though, the MoD has not admitted liability.

“Zach was never bitter,he wasn’t vengeful at all,he was the most kind man and he adored his years of service,” said anna-Louise,Zach’s widow.

Anna-Louise is now focused on encouraging the MoD to launch a cancer screening program and raise awareness of the issue to aircrew and veterans, continuing Zach’s work.

“That settlement for Zach allowed him the chance to have some kind of recompense but more importantly, to be able to make some memories,” said Anna-Louise.

Anna-Louise Stubbings

Anna-Louise and Zach married in 2020 and his wife is now raising awareness of the issue to former military aircrew and veterans

Zach was 33 when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer that mainly affects those over 65.

His widow,Anna-Louise,recalled,”He started to think,’hang on a minute,I’m a 33-year-old man who’s had this diagnosis of a blood cancer that isn’t common in men in their thirties… I’m going to look into it’.”

Anna-Louise founded an organ donation charity nine years ago after her husband Stuart and seven-year-old son Fraser where killed by a careless driver. She met Zach when he contacted her charity Believe after receiving a stem cell transplant before marrying in

Multiple Myeloma: A type of cancer that affects plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies.

Zach’s local MS in Cardiff Julie Morgan has urged the MoD to carry out its investigations as swiftly as possible

Did you know? The Sea King helicopter, used in british military operations from 1969 to 2018, was flown by King Charles and the Prince of Wales.

MoD’s position

The MoD said it believed engine exhaust emissions were of no risk to health but it was conducting monitoring to enable it to demonstrate this.

In May, the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG), which advises the MoD, reviewed evidence about a possible link between exhaust emissions from Sea King helicopters and rare cancers, specifically multiple myeloma and leiomyosarcoma, and found insufficient evidence to establish a clear causal relationship.

Leiomyosarcoma: A rare type of cancer that grows in the smooth muscles of the body.

“We take the health of our personnel extremely seriously and regularly review our processes to ensure that we’re doing our utmost to keep our people safe,” it said in a statement.

It added: “Any death is a tragedy and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Zach Stubbings.”

The cases of Flight sergeant Zach Stubbings and others like him highlight a growing concern within the UK military: potential health risks associated with working in and around certain aircraft, specifically the Sea King helicopter. While the MoD has stated it believes engine exhaust emissions pose no significant health risk, the settlements and ongoing investigations suggest a more complex picture. This has spurred investigations and calls for proactive measures to protect currently serving personnel. Key questions that are now being raised are: What were the specific exposures during missions and training exercises? Were adequate safety protocols in place? And, perhaps moast importantly, what steps can be taken to mitigate these ongoing risks given that many older military aircraft are still in service?

The Self-reliant Medical Expert Group (IMEG) acknowledged the MoD’s position and the lack of definitive proof. It also didn’t rule out the possibility of additional research that might find more evidence. The findings, and the ongoing legal battles, highlight the need for thorough investigation into the operational environments experienced by aircrew. This includes not only the Sea King but also othre aircraft where similar exposures might occur. Beyond exhaust fumes, researchers are also examining factors such as exposure to hydraulic fluids, solvents, and other chemicals used in aircraft maintenance. They are considering cumulative exposures over long careers, a situation that adds further complexity to the health of military veterans.

Responding to these uncertainties, advocacy groups like the one Anna-Louise Stubbings is leading are demanding increased clarity from the MoD. These groups are asking for the early adoption of regular cancer screening programs for aircrew,a step that could significantly improve the chances of early detection and treatment. Moreover,they advocate for improved personal protective equipment and more robust ventilation systems in affected aircraft.These protective measures could limit the exposure to perhaps harmful substances. The broader demand is for the mod to adopt a proactive approach to health and safety, one wich prioritizes preventative measures over reactive ones. This involves a shift to a proactive stance prioritizing preventative measures rather than responding to health issues after they emerge.

The families of those affected, like Anna-Louise Stubbings, are playing a critical role in this public awareness. They have become dedicated advocates,offering a crucial perspective that is rooted in personal experience. Their work has amplified the voices of those who have suffered, and is drawing attention to potential systemic issues that need to be resolved. The actions of these advocates and the outcomes of ongoing investigations will shape the future of health and safety protocols within the UK military, and contribute to a better understanding of the occupational risks associated with military service.