Veterans, Military Service, and Cancer Risk
There are approximately 50,000 new cancer cases in Veterans reported annually. As the Veteran population continues to age, this number will continue to rise. This is an unexpected risk of military service. A service member likely doesn’t think about his or her risk of developing life-threatening cancer, 20 years later, as a result of exposure to chemicals or radiation.
Exposure-related cancers have been occurring in Veterans since WWI (with the use of nitrogen and sulfur mustard). Many WWII veterans were potentially exposed to radiation after the dropping of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Most have heard of Agent Orange, and its use as an herbicide during the Vietnam War. Agent Orange exposure has been linked to many types of cancer including lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia .Even more Veterans have been exposed to asbestos, putting them at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer. The link between service to our country and increased cancer risk is one that we cannot ignore.
Possible Causes for Increased Cancer Risk in Veterans
Exposure | Associated Cancers |
Radiation (from nuclear bombs) | Bile duct cancer Bone cancer Breast cancer Colon cancer Esophageal cancer Gall bladder cancer Liver cancer Lung cancer Pancreatic cancer Pharynx cancer Salivary gland cancer Small intestine cancer Stomach cancer Thyroid cancer Kidney cancer Bladder cancer Leukemia (except CLL) Lymphoma (except Hodgkin disease) Multiple Myeloma |
Ionized radiation (from nuclear-powered ship/submarines) | All cancers |
Nerve gas/chemical weapons | Brain cancer |
Agent Orange or other herbicides | Chronic B-cell leukemia Hodgkin Lymphoma Multiple Myeloma Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Lung Cancer Larynx Cancer Trachea Cancer Bronchus Cancer Some soft tissue sarcomas Bladder Cancer |
Asbestos | Lung cancer Mesothelioma |
Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune | Adult leukemia Aplastic anemia Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) Bladder cancer Kidney cancer Liver cancer Multiple Myeloma Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma |
Burn Pit/Gulf War Associated Exposures | Brain Cancer inc. Glioblastoma Gastrointestinal cancer (any type) Kidney Cancer Lymphatic Cancer Lymphoma (any type) Melanoma Head and Neck Cancer (any type) Pancreatic Cancer Reproductive Cancer (any type; men and women) Respiratory Cancer (any type) |
Healthcare
Most Veterans qualify for some level of health care coverage. This coverage is dependent on their service history and/or injuries they may have sustained in combat or service. They must not have been dishonorably discharged from the service to be eligible. To start the application process:
- Call 1-877-222-VETS or go to www.va.gov/healthbenefits.
- Be sure to have as much information about your military service as you can, as well as any potential exposures to cancer-causing agents while you were serving.
- You do not need your DD214 (discharge summary) to apply for benefits. However, you can order one through www.archives.gov/veterans.
Disability
The Veterans Administration (VA), presumes that many disabilities, including the cancers listed above, were caused by exposure during military service. This means that veterans and survivors of veterans with cancer that is connected to service-related exposure can collect disability compensation from the VA.