Our veterans have bravely served to protect the freedoms of our country, but this often comes at a cost. Exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation during service may increase their risk of developing cancer.
Chemicals, substances, and hazards veterans may be exposed to, or were exposed to, that increase cancer risk include:
- Agent Orange:
- A herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, no longer in use, has been linked to cancers such as lymphoma and lung cancer
- Burn Pits:
- Open-air burning of various waste types by the U.S. military. Linked to cancers such as lymphatic cancer, melanoma, reproductive cancers, and respiratory cancers.
- Asbestos:
- Exposure to older insulation materials in buildings is linked to lung cancer.
- Radiation:
- Exposure from both low-energy (e.g., x-rays) and high-energy sources (e.g., nuclear bombs) is associated with cancers including bone, liver, lung, pancreatic, and kidney cancers.
- PFOA, PFOS, and related PFAS chemicals:
More than half a million veterans are diagnosed with cancer each year. The Veterans Administration (VA) provides essential support, offering disability compensation to veterans exposed to cancer-causing substances during their service. Regular cancer screenings are crucial. If you are a U.S. veteran, talk to your doctor about any possible exposures and assess your risk for developing cancer.
published: Nov. 1, 2024, 4:03 a.m.