Study Indicates Elevated Cancer Risks Among Surgeons

Recent research from Harvard Medical School has shed light on a concerning health trend affecting U.S. surgeons. The study, titled "Mortality Among Surgeons in the United States," reveals that surgeons experience a cancer mortality rate more than twice that of nonsurgeon physicians, and approximately 20% higher than most other non-physician occupations. While their overall mortality rate remains lower compared to non-physician workers, the elevated cancer-related deaths suggest possible work-related risk factors that merit further investigation.

The study analyzed death records of over one million individuals aged 25–74, including 224 surgeons and 2,740 other physicians, sourced from the 2023 National Vital Statistics System. Data points included age, sex, cause of death, and usual occupation, cross-verified with the AMA Physician Masterfile and population data from the American Community Survey. Results showed surgeons had a mortality rate of 355.3 per 100,000, significantly higher than the 228.4 per 100,000 observed in nonsurgeon physicians, with an adjusted mortality rate ratio of 1.56. Notably, surgeons' mortality rates were well below those of all other non-physician workers, which stood at 632.5 per 100,000.

Examining causes of death, surgeons were less likely to die from respiratory diseases, kidney and liver diseases, septicemia, and diabetes compared to other groups. However, the standout finding was the higher incidence of cancer: surgeons had a cancer mortality rate of 193.2 per 100,000, more than double the 87.5 per 100,000 in nonsurgeon physicians, with a mortality rate ratio of 2.21. Interestingly, surgeons' ranking as a cause of death was higher for cancer than for other causes, emphasizing the particular risk associated with malignancies.

The researchers suggest that although surgeons and other physicians have similar levels of health knowledge and access to resources, factors specific to surgical practice might contribute to increased cancer risks. These could include exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, or other occupational hazards inherent to surgical environments. The study highlights the need for targeted preventive measures and further research to understand and mitigate these risks.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-surgeons-higher-cancer.html