AFGSC to provide updates on Missile Community Cancer Study, burn study

By Tech. Sgt. Shelby Thurman, Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

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Published Oct 7, 2026

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) continues its partnership with the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) in advancing the ongoing Missile Community Cancer Study (MCCS), a comprehensive investigation into potential health risks associated with service in the missile community.

graphic showing details of event
A graphic created in Adobe Illustrator released online October 7, 2026, announcing Air Force Global Strike Command’s virtual town hall livestream regarding the ongoing Missile Community Cancer Study that will be fully open to the public for the seventh time to allow broader access to released information as well as let the public voice their own questions and concerns to Department of the Air Force senior leaders. The VTH is scheduled to be held on Zoom October 16, 2026, at 1:00 pm. CDT, by AFGSC leadership, accompanied by DAF medical professionals and senior leaders. (U.S. Air National Guard graphic by Tech. Sgt. Shelby Thurman)

One area being studied as part of the MCCS is the discontinued practice of burning classified materials in launch control centers (LCCs). To address concerns related to this historic disposal process, the 711th Human Performance Wing has been conducting detailed burn tests to analyze emissions produced during the process. Feedback from previous town halls was also used to expand the scope of the burn study, which now includes additional materials in the testing regimen.

During the last MCCS virtual town hall held March 27, 2026, AFGSC and USAFSAM leaders provided results from the initial epidemiological study and the initial burn study. They also announced that Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record access became available for service members through their Common Access Card. 

Looking ahead, AFGSC plans to host its next virtual town hall on Oct. 16, 2026, with the presentation beginning at 1 p.m. CDT.

To submit questions prior to the start of the town hall, please email: afgsc.paworkflow@us.af.mil

To join, click on the following link: https://zoom.us/j/98448683696?pwd=wewD9pWDHQURacetttYnNEPKkf4ACs.1or use the following Room ID: 984 4868 3696 and Passcode: 243396

Topics expected to be addressed during the next MCCS virtual town hall include: final epidemiology review report findings, final burn study report findings, and updates on other ongoing efforts, including the mitigation of polychlorinated biphenyls.

The event is open to current and former service members, family members and other stakeholders interested in hearing directly from Air Force leadership and medical experts involved in the study.

Visit the AFGSC website or social media pages for future town hall announcements and information on how to participate.

For more information about MCCS, town hall announcements and frequently asked questions, visit: https://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/Resources/Missile-Community-Cancer-Study/