WHAT VETERANS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER
If you are a Veteran, you are nearly twice as likely to suffer from prostate cancer than civilians. Most Vets are men, and the threat of this disease affects around 15,000 yearly, with more than 200,000 Vets already survivors. While not everything is understood about this disease, when caught early, it’s easily treatable. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to helping warfighters overcome this issue. A collaboration between the VA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation along with the Cleland-Dole Act are two examples of positive initiatives aiming to help the Veteran community. Any and all medical advice should come from your healthcare team; however, we’re looking at some information based on findings from leading experts in healthcare to help you get started.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer occurs in people assigned male at birth. There is a hollow organ below the bladder and in front of the rectum where seminal vesicles (glands) create most of the fluid found in semen. If the gland grows too large and out of control, it can become cancerous. There are several different types to be aware of although most are adenocarcinomas. Additional, rarer cancers include:
- Sarcomas
- Small cell carcinoma (small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma)
- Transitional cell carcinoma
- Various other neuroendocrine tumors
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
While we understand that enlarged prostates can become cancerous, it’s unclear exactly what causes this issue in men. However, here are some risk factors to be aware of:
- Your age.
- Your ethnic group. Blacks are at a higher risk than Asians, Latinos, and whites.
- Your family history.
- Your diet and whether or not you are obese.
Agent Orange and Prostate Cancer
Many Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides while serving may experience prostate cancer symptoms. If you served, qualify and develop cancer, you won’t have to prove a connection to receive VA healthcare and disability benefits. The findings about Agent Orange in connection with the disease have shown higher risks for Vets who were exposed in multiple studies conducted over the years. Sadly, a study in 2013, by the Portland VA Medical Center and Oregon Health and Science University also shows Vets who develop prostate cancer, typically do it in a more agreeable manner than normal.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Living with prostate cancer is possible as in most cases, it’s slow developing and doesn’t show symptoms in the early stages. However, as it progresses, more signs begin to show, such as:
- A weaker stream or problems when urinating
- Blood found in urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Pain in your bones
- Weight loss without any efforts being made
Tips for Prevention
While you can’t change your race, how old you are, or your family’s medical history, there are ways for Veterans to help prevent the development of the disease, including the following:
- You’ll need to undergo a screening every 2 years. For some men, this check-up may begin at age 40 and others at age 55. Health factors will play a role, so it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider.
- Medication may be able to help you prevent the disease. This will need to be determined and prescribed by your doctor.
- Eating fewer trans and saturated fats in your diet can help. Avoiding charred meats is also a recommendation. You’ll also want to add more fruits, vegetables, soy, green tea, and foods with Vitamin D to your diet.
- Getting exercise is good on its own but combined with a change in diet it can also lower your risk of obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight is important.
- Cutting back on drinking and avoiding smoking altogether is another great way to reduce your risk.
- While studies are still ongoing about the role of sex, some show that sexually active males can reduce their risk.
Is Prostate Cancer Curable?
Veterans should take heart in the fact that prostate cancer is curable. Often, the growth is so slow that many won’t need even need immediate treatment. This is why screenings and preventative actions are so important: the earlier the detection, the better. In cases in which the illness hasn’t spread outside of the prostate, 99% of men go on to live a minimum of five more years following a diagnosis. This rate drops if the cancer spreads throughout your body, once again highlighting the importance of Vets taking action to prevent the disease in the first place.
VA Disability for Prostate Cancer
If you served in the U.S. military and were exposed to herbicides, you can receive healthcare and disability compensation, including a free Agent Orange health exam if you served in Vietnam, the Korean DMZ, or any other area in which it was sprayed. Additionally, there are some dependents, both children and parents, along with surviving spouses that may be eligible for survivors’ benefits if a Veteran dies from the cancer and was exposed to herbicides. To determine whether or not you are eligible for VA disability prostate cancer benefits, you can file a claim online.
What Is the Average VA Disability Rating for Prostate Cancer?
Reports show that Vets receive VA disability ratings of 100% when diagnosed and if there are other conditions, there are varying rates between 0% and 60%. Each case is different and will depend on your health condition and the severity of it. To learn more, you’ll need to contact the VA about your disability rating.
DoD Research Program
In 1997, the Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP) began dedicating resources to help research innovative ways to eliminate the illness. This DoD initiative has been working to provide solutions for multiple generations and alleviate issues within the Veteran community. Prostate cancer in Veterans is a discussion that continues to need attention. It’s important to encourage positive habits and regular screenings, and together, we can help Vets live better, longer lives. Suggested reads:
- Everything You Need to Know About Your VA Copay
- What Is Men’s Mental Health Month?
- Unpacking the Beautiful Symbolism of a Burial at Sea
Sources: VA NOP. Accessed May 2024. https://www.cancer.va.gov/prostate.html ACS. Accessed May 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/what-is-prostate-cancer.html NHS. Accessed May 2024. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/causes/ VA. Accessed May 2024. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/prostate_cancer.asp Cleveland Clinic. Accessed May 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8634-prostate-cancer Woods & Woods LLC. Accessed May 2024. https://www.woodslawyers.com/va-rating-for-prostate-cancer/ CDMRP. Accessed May 2024. https://cdmrp.health.mil/pcrp/default