HOW VETS CAN MITIGATE THE RISKS OF CANCER RELATED TO MILITARY SERVICE


By bblouin
person in a CAT scan machine

As a Veteran, you are subjected to duties that go well above and beyond the lifestyle of a civilian. Sadly, this also means that you may also be subjected to extra risks involving cancer related to military service. Veterans and cancer are a common relationship due to the potential for exposure to various chemicals that may not be at the forefront of a soldier’s mind during service. But the good news is that you can do a lot to help reduce the risk of cancer and live a longer life.

Cancer Related to Military Service Hits Home

When it comes to Veterans, military service, and cancer risk, military cancer rates show that 40,000 new cases are reported each year, with this number expected to rise due to an aging Veteran population. As medical science continues to advance, many remain hopeful that a cure will emerge to stop this horrible disease once and for all. But as we wait for a cure, there are many steps that Veterans can engage in to lower their chances of cancer to stop this disease before it starts.

Can Cancer Be Prevented?

While there is no universal cure for cancer yet, there are things Veterans can do to help mitigate the risks of cancer. A key way to overcome cancer is to avoid certain activities, such as living an unhealthy lifestyle. We all have our vices, and as the old saying goes, all things in moderation. However, avoiding things such as smoking, excessive drinking, obesity, and getting too much UV light from tanning beds or the sun can help you avoid cancer altogether. Yes, you may still get cancer even after avoiding such activities, but by living a healthier lifestyle, eating right, exercising, wearing sunscreen, etc., you can lower your risk of cancer. Another helpful tool Veterans and others have to fight against cancer is early detection. Many cancers, like breast and colorectal cancers, can be eliminated if detected early. Cancer screenings help save lives, so be sure to click the link to schedule your Veterans Affairs cancer screening today!

Help for Veterans With Cancer

VeteranLife article

related to military service and otherwise aimed at helping those who served that are presented from a unique, relatable point of view. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has compiled a wonderful list of resources for Veterans and families living with cancer. These include:

  • American Cancer Society
  • CancerCare
  • Cancer Hope Network
  • Cancer Net
  • Centers for Disease Control
  • Colon Cancer Alliance
  • Gilda’s Club
  • Lance Armstrong Foundation
  • Lung Cancer Alliance
  • National Cancer Institute
  • National Collision for Cancer Survivorship
  • Oncolink.com
  • Planet Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer Foundation
  • Susan G. Komen for the Cure
  • VA Website for Cancer Prevention Information

Education in any endeavor is important. Knowing your resources can help you get connected to experts who can help you prevent and overcome cancer. Because cancer affects virtually everyone in some shape or form, there is no shortage of resources and charities available. The Prevent Cancer Foundation is a prime example and has been providing millions of dollars to prevent cancer from affecting Veterans and civilians since 1985. Beyond having the right resources, Veterans fighting such battles are also entitled to many benefits. Service-related cancer can lead to Veteran benefits for cancer patients. This is one of the many great benefits of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA cancer benefits are there for those who gave their all for America and are facing a different kind of battle. If you are a Veteran suffering from cancer that is related to your service in the military, you can file a VA disability claim to receive your benefits. The key here, however, is that you are going to have to prove that your cancer is directly related to your time in the military. If your cancer is tied to your service, getting Veterans disability for cancer can earn you a 100% disability rating.

Cancer Prevention Studies Help Reduce the Risks of Cancer

VeteranLife article

cancer prevention study continue to help scientists and doctors advance medical technology to improve the lives of cancer patients and mitigate the risks of cancer altogether. There are more questionable studies, such as the “does breathing farts prevent cancer” theory, which has a surprising amount of mixed reviews, but the work being done through studies may help see an end to one of the most common sufferings of our lifetime. Such studies are critical because they help humans understand a variety of aspects of cancer related to military service. Hope has always been at the forefront of such research; however, things have never been brighter thanks to advances in technology. Technology is revolutionizing cancer research and care. The advancements in telehealth and research are great medical achievements. What is helping bolster such research is largely due to the advancement of other technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and supercomputers. Now, machines can help by processing large amounts of data found in studies and computing complex combinations to help scientists discover different drugs that can lead to a cure. When combined with new robotic surgeries and the human drive to survive, it is exciting to see where cancer research is headed and how it may positively affect cancer related to military service. As 5G technology and other forms of communication continue to improve, the medical community is continuing to find new ways to connect, collaborate, and research cures. It’s up to us to do our part in being responsible by living a healthy lifestyle, sticking to a nutrition plan, and consistently participating in cancer screenings as we await a cure. More like this:LGBT+ Healthcare Options for Veterans


JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Get the latest VeteranLife content and news.
Email*
CONNECT WITH US
VeteranLife Logo

©2024 VeteranLife. All rights reserved.