What all active-duty military members should know about their cancer risk

Active-duty military members face unique challenges that can impact their health, including an increased risk of cancer, compared to the general population. But understanding these risks and taking proactive steps can help you stay ahead of cancer.

Toxins and environmental exposures

Military personnel are often exposed to various toxins, which can be from burn pits, chemical agents or other hazardous materials. These exposures can increase the risk of several types of cancer, including lung cancer.¹ It’s crucial to be aware of your environment and the potential risks associated with your duties:

• Stay informed: Familiarize yourself with the specific toxins you may encounter in your role. For more information on hazardous chemicals, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
• Report symptoms: If you suspect you were exposed to a toxin during a deployment, bring it up with your health care provider to help guide your care.

Screenings and self-checks

Routine cancer screenings—even when you feel fine! — are critical for preventing cancer or detecting it early, when successful treatment is more likely. But access to routine cancer screenings can vary based on deployment status and location. While some military facilities offer comprehensive health services, others may have limited resources or access to routine screenings.

Without access to screening, it’s important to know your body to recognize any changes that need to get checked out by a health care provider. Here’s what you can do:

• Perform self-checks: For some cancer types, you can perform self-checks. These don’t replace screening tests or exams by a health care professional, but it may help bridge the gap while you don’t have access to that care.
  • For breast cancer: On a regular basis (once a month is best), feel for abnormal lumps, tenderness or changes to your breasts.
  • For testicular cancer: Feel for any abnormal lumps, tenderness or changes to the testes.
  • For skin cancer: Follow the ABCDE rule when checking your skin:
    • ሀsymmetry (one half of the mole doesn’t match the other)
    • ለየትእዛዝ መዛባት
    • ሲወጥ ያልሆነ ቀለም
    • ዲiameter greater than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
    • ኢየቮልቪንግ መጠን, ቅርፅ ወይም ቀለም

• Get your screenings in pre-deployment: Before you leave on a deployment, make sure you are up to date on your routine cancer screenings. This screening chart will tell you what screenings you need if you’re of average risk, but it’s a good idea to talk with a health care provider about which cancer screenings you need, when to begin screening and how often you should be screened. And don’t forget to visit the dentist, too—in addition to cleaning your teeth, your dentist can also check you for oral cancer!

Sun protection and skin cancer

Military service can increase your risk of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing is essential, especially in sunny environments, but sunscreen is not always issued during training and deployment, and certain terrains may mean increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Reduce your risk of የቆዳ ካንሰር and:

• Pack (and use!) sunscreen: Apply a ሰፊ የፀሐይ መከላከያ and lip balm SPF 30 or higher with UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection, even on cloudy days.
• Wear protective gear: Utilize hats, long sleeves and sunglasses to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

Smoking and lung cancer

The prevalence of smoking in the military is a significant concern and የሳምባ ካንሰር ን ው number one cause of cancer-related deaths for veterans. While smoking rates have declined, higher smoking rates in the military compared to the general population are a consequence of a culture where tobacco use is often encouraged as a way to socialize and take a break. Be encouraged to:

• Seek support to quit: If you smoke or use tobacco today, it’s not too late to quit. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for support. If you have a health care plan with TRICARE, quitting medications are covered so you won’t have to pay any cost. You can also access counseling and other assistance.
• Promote a smoke-free environment: Encourage your peers to adopt healthier habits and support smoke-free initiatives.

Insurance and health care access

Navigating health care can be complex for active-duty members, especially when it comes to cancer screenings and treatments. It’s important to understand your insurance benefits to access necessary care. Make sure you:

• Know your benefits: Familiarize yourself with your military health care plan and what it covers for cancer screenings and treatments.
• Utilize available resources: Take advantage of military health resources, including the TRICARE program—and learn which cancer screenings are covered.

By understanding the potential risks, advocating for your health and using your resources, you can take steps toward protecting yourself and your fellow service members. Remember, your health is a priority!

¹https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/burn-pits.html