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Cannon Pediatric Brain 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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DMG/DIPG EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY TIMELINE

  • 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