AFSOC | Cannon Pediatric Cancer Study

The Epidemiology Consult Service at the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM)/Defense Centers for Public Health Dayton (DCPH-D) is assessing Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma/Diffuse Midline Glioma (DIPG/DMG) occurrences at Cannon Air Force Base (AFB). This study is a result of concerns brought forth by service members and their families about an unusual occurrence of DIPG/DMG cases within the Cannon AFB population. This epidemiological study aims to identify DIPG/DMG cases over time and determine if the rates are higher at Cannon when compared to dependents within the rest of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and the national average.

Air Force Special Operations Command leadership, in partnership with the USAFSAM/DCPH-D, the New Mexico Department of Health and the Brain Tumor Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, continues to be engaged on this issue.

The Cannon Pediatric Brain Cancer Study has involved collecting and reviewing data regarding the cases of pediatric brain cancer from Cannon AFB, the surrounding regional area, other DAF locations, and the civilian population.

This website provides materials about DIPG/DMG to help educate and inform along with answers to frequently asked questions.

The safety and health of our Air Commandos and their families are our priority, and we are committed to understanding more about these vital concerns.

If you have questions or want to share information with us, please contact the Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office.

Q. What’s been done in the investigation so far?
Please see the DIPG/DMG Epidemiological Study Timeline below.
Q. What is DIPG/DMG?
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) are rare childhood brain tumors. According to a National Institute of Health (NIH) study, there are approximately 200 to 300 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States with most diagnosed between ages 5 and 10 years old. Like most cancers, DIPG/DMG occurs when something goes wrong with the process of cell reproduction. However, unlike many other cancers, there is no evidence that indicates DIPG/DMG is caused by environmental factors (exposure to chemicals or radiation), or specific inherited genetic variations.
Q. What has the USAFSAM study found up to this point?
USAFSAM/DCPH-D has examined previously conducted research and consulted leading experts in the field. The underlying cause of DIPG/DMG is unknown at this time. There are no known environmental exposures (chemical or radiation) or inherited genetic variations that have been validated to increase the risk of developing DIPG/DMG.

USAFSAM/DCPH-D found three cases of DIPG/DMG at Cannon AFB from 2010-2020. During this timeline, there was an 8-year period where there were zero cases. Up to this point, the study has found that of the DIPG/DMG cases that were diagnosed when the patient’s sponsor was assigned to Cannon AFB, no parallels have been found in factors like sponsor occupation or time on station before diagnosis. USAFSAM was awaiting additional data from the civilian community to finish the analysis and received this data right at the end of 2023. The next update is expected in Spring 2024.
Q. What is PFAS and is it a cause of DIPG/DMG?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used, long lasting chemicals, which have been found in screening blood samples of both humans and animals. There are no environmental exposures that are known or suspected to increase the risk of DIPG/DMG. Specifically, there is no scientific evidence establishing a linkage between PFAS and DIPG/DMG. However, there are several ongoing studies within the scientific community to evaluate the effects of PFAS exposure on human health.
Q. What causes DMG/DIPG?
Previously conducted research and leading experts in the field tell us that the underlying cause of DIPG/DMG is unknown at this time. There are no known environmental exposures (chemical or radiation) or inherited genetic variations that have been validated to increase the risk of developing DIPG/DMG. Additionally, indirect exposure of children (such as parental exposures to radiation or other environmental contaminants) is not known to cause any increased risk to children.

The appearance of DIPG "clustering" may be related to locations of the relatively small number of institutions that diagnose and actively report DIPG to the International DIPG Registry. The best way to inform future research efforts is to ensure cases are reported to the registry (https://dipgregistry.org/).
Q. What medical signs and symptoms should I be looking for in my child?
Symptoms of DIPG/DMG often present with rapid progression of neurologic symptoms to include vision changes, weakness, and difficulty walking. Diagnosis is made by clinical findings and neuroimaging studies (MRI).
Q. What prompted the investigation into the prevalence of DIPG/DMG?
In September 2022, 27th Special Operations Wing leadership were made aware of a post on the Cannon AFB Spouses Facebook Page that spoke of three children who had been diagnosed with DIPG/DMG and had been stationed at Cannon AFB.
Q. What is the scope of the study and who does it include?
The current study spans 11 years, 2010-2020, as the comparison data for 2021 and on isn't available. It includes the dependents of all active-duty Department of the Air Force service members who were ever stationed at Cannon AFB. The dependents had to be diagnosed with DIPG/DMG to be included in the initial DIPG/DMG focused analysis. The study was then broadened to look at all pediatric brain cancers in dependents less than 20 years old.
Q. My child was just diagnosed with DIPG/DMG and I was stationed at Cannon AFB outside the scope of the current study. What do I do?
Please contact Air Force Special Operations Command Surgeon General's Office at 850-884-2269 with questions. In addition, please work with your doctor to ensure that your child is enrolled in the International DIPG/DMG Registry (https://dipgregistry.org/).
Q. When will the next update be provided?
Updates will be provided as USAFSAM/DCPH-D publishes their findings. We’re projecting completion of the study in Spring 2024.

October 2022
Discussion began about concerns of DMG/DIPG at Cannon Air Force Base
November 2022
Relevant parties (below) discussed community concerns and way ahead
- New Mexico Department of Health
- University of New Mexico Cancer Registry
- Air Force Special Operations Command Surgeon General (AFSOC SG)
- Cannon AFB Public Health
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) Epidemiology Consult Service
- Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs (AFSOC PA)

USAFSAM approved to begin Cannon Pediatric Brain Cancer Study

AFSOC SG provided feedback on selected course of action and received concurrence from USAFSAM
January 2023
AFSOC SG developed and provided update to AFSOC leadership
February 2023
USAFSAM recommended expansion of study to include all pediatric brain cancers for comparison to national standardized incidence rates to improve study

AFSOC SG received Headquarters Air Force Surgeon General approval to expand study, forwarded approval to Cannon AFB
March 2023
USAFSAM received approval from Air Force Research Lab/Institutional Review Board, with a caveat that the study completion contingent on receipt of 2020 civilian comparison population data (which lags several years behind). Estimated completion date is late 2023/early 2024
May 2023
USAFSAM received data and worked analysis
June 2023
Relevant parties began working Cannon AFB update for Scientific and Technical Information (STINFO) review
- AFSOC SG
- AFSOC PA
- Cannon AFB Commander
- Cannon AFB Public Affairs
- USAFSAM
September 2023
STINFO draft approved by USAFSAM for Cannon AFB PA release
October 2023
Cannon AFB PA released approved study update
November 2023
Cannon AFB PA held 2 townhalls to answer questions concerning update
Spring 2024
Expected USAFSAM completion of study and follow-up release

Update to epidemiological study about the history of DMG and DIPG at Cannon

Cannon AFB pediatric brain cancer study findings published

Cannon Pediatric Brain Cancer Study

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DMG/DIPG EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY TIMELINE

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