Catch it early
Prostate cancer and your medical certificate
By Anita Fetzer
Prostate cancer is a common condition that occurs in male pilots as they age. This condition can be curable if discovered early and treated. Some pilots avoid having a prostate exam for fear of losing their medical certificate. The fact is that prostate cancer caught in the initial stages may not be a disqualifying condition.
The FAA has created a path for airmen to maintain their medical certificate. For those pilots diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer five or more years ago, their AME could issue their medical certificate at the time of their physical exam.
And for those airmen diagnosed within the past five years with nonmetastatic prostate cancer with or without treatment, the AME may be able to issue under a CACI (Condition an AME Can Issue) protocol. This protocol includes those airmen who have opted for prostatectomy, brachytherapy (implanted radioactive seeds), or a watchful waiting approach. This is where the early intervention benefits the airmen the most.
For those cases where the cancer was metastatic at any time or has recurred, the airmen may still be eligible under a special issuance. The AME cannot issue a medical certificate; the application requires FAA review. If approved, a medical certificate with a special issuance attached is issued to the pilot.
Note that while receiving any form of chemotherapy or external radiation therapy, the airman is not eligible to exercise privileges or apply for a medical certificate. Upon completion of such treatment, the FAA would review and consider the applicant for a medical certificate with a special issuance.
Early intervention is key to your health and maintaining your FAA medical certificate. See the FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners Decision Consideration Item 41. G-U System for more details. 
Anita Fetzer is a senior medical certification specialist for the AOPA Pilot Information Center.
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