Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and research keeps finding that people who serve in the military face a higher risk of it than the general population. Here's what the studies show, why it happens, and what service members can do about it.
What the research shows
- Veterans: Work from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the Defense Health Agency's Medical Surveillance Monthly Report found veterans significantly more likely to develop melanoma than civilians.
- Aircrew: A Defense Health Agency study directed by Congress found melanoma rates 75 to 87 percent higher among military aircrew than the general U.S. population.
- Navy and Marine Corps aviators: A 2026 study in Military Medicine found the largest relative jump in melanoma risk among aviators aged 35 to 39, and suggested an occupational contribution to skin cancer risk.
- Special operations forces: A USSOCOM study of more than 230,000 SOF personnel found higher melanoma incidence than in other personnel.
- Diagnosis: Studies of veterans and military families have found skin cancers diagnosed at later stages, when they are harder to treat.
Why the risk is higher
The leading explanation is simple: occupational sun exposure. Service members spend long hours outdoors in places with extreme UV levels, from desert bases to high-altitude training areas, flight lines, and ship decks. Altitude and reflective surfaces like sand, water, and metal increase exposure further. The USSOCOM study pointed to frequent deployments and austere environments where access to sun protection may be limited as a plausible factor.
Access is a recurring theme. Sunscreen generally isn't standard-issue gear, and in 2026, members of Congress asked the Department of Defense to add it to standard PPE kits.
What service members can do
- Use broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, and reapply at least every 2 hours and after heavy sweating.
- Make sunscreen easy to carry. Military dermatologists have recommended small portable packets that fit in a pocket, so reapplication actually happens.
- Cover up with headgear and sleeves when the mission allows.
- Get regular skin checks, and see a doctor about any new or changing spot. Early detection makes a big difference with melanoma.
Learn more
See our military sunscreen page for the full research summary, UV exposure data for major installations, and how units can order. For practical tips, read Sun Protection for Field Training and Deployment.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare provider about your individual risk.