The Canadians did a big survey of flying and life expectancy. It was many years ago, and it did not involve (
AFAIK) ME flying.
The myth: Pilots retire and then they die. They have a shorter life expectancy than your average John Doe.
The survey found that pilots live longer and have better health than the average population, but had a higher risk of two specific ailments. Prostate cancer and leukemia.
Different times, different area and different FTL's for sure. It would be interesting to see a similar survey today, but most pilots I know take reasonably good care of themselves. They stay fit and the old habit of going on the piss on every layover is pretty much dead and buried. You all know what I mean.
I think the survey is still valid, and one EK pilot with a medical problem does not prove otherwise. Anybody have the Loss of license numbers for EK or any other ME carrier for that sake?
Sorry, I don't have a link to the survey, and I can't be bothered to search for it.