SpOC hosts Missile Community Cancer Study town hall Published June 1, 2023 By 1st Lt Hillary Gibson PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Space Operations Command hosted a Missile Community Cancer Study town hall Tuesday, May 30, 2023, here. Attended by members from across SpOC, virtually and in person, Col. Tory Woodard, U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine commander, offered an update on the study and a forum for two-way conversation. “The purpose of today’s town hall is to provide another opportunity to hear from the experts and as well as for them to answer your questions,” said U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, SpOC commander, during his opening comments. “This issue impacts many of you directly or through family and friends. There is much to learn, and the study is not complete, so we don’t have all the answers today. But, we are dedicated to keeping our Guardians and Airmen, both civilians and military alike, informed on this very important and personal issue.” Approved on Feb. 22, 2023, by Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, the study is a formal assessment that addresses specific cancer concerns raised by missile combat crew members and others who served in intercontinental ballistic missile-related duties. “This comprehensive study is multi-phased with built-in trigger points to ensure that if an elevation in cancer risk is detected additional studies will be initiated,” said Woodard. “We owe it to our service members to ensure we have a full understanding of the past and present working environment to mitigate the potential risks posed to them and their community. We encourage individuals to educate themselves and communicate with their medical provider about any questions or concerns they have.” The comprehensive study, designed by U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, is expected to take 12 - 14 months. The scope of this study is intentionally broad, going back as far as the 1970’s, examining multiple locations, and the missileer and associated career fields with similar exposure risks. Data is being pulled from multiple databases to gather as much information as possible. The most up-to-date information about the study can be found on the Missile Community Cancer Study website. Questions of a non-medical nature can be submitted through the AFGSC official website or via the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General. Space Operations Command is the fight-tonight force and first Field Command of the U.S. Space Force. SpOC's mission is to protect America and our Allies in, from, and to space … now and into the future.