What all veterans should know about their cancer risk
On Veterans Day, we honor the people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. Their courage and sacrifice are immeasurable, but too often, the toll of their service extends beyond the battlefield.
Veterans can face unique health risks from their service, from exposure to toxins to lack of sun protection. It’s crucial we raise awareness of the long-term health challenges veterans may endure and advocate for the prevention and early detection services they need.
Research shows that veterans have higher rates of breast and prostate cancers,1 among other cancer types, which may be a result of exposures to various chemical or environmental hazards during their service. A study that examined service members from 1982 to 2017 found that air crews had an 87% higher rate of melanoma than the general U.S. population. Plus, men were 16% likelier to get prostate cancer and women were 16% more likely to get breast cancer compared to the general population.2
This is why, if you’re a veteran, there are a few things you should know regarding your cancer risk so you can be proactive about your health. Talk with a health care provider to discuss your risk and the cancer screenings available to you.
Were you exposed to toxins? Here’s what you can do.
During military service, you may have come in contact with hazardous chemicals or materials. For instance:
- If you were exposed to burn pits—perhaps because you served in Iraq or Afghanistan—you may have come in contact with toxins.
- You might be at risk of illness from radiation if you worked near nuclear weapons testing or served in Hiroshima or Nagasaki after World War II.
- If you served in the Vietnam War, you might have come into contact with Agent Orange.
- Because asbestos used to be in buildings and products, your service may have exposed you to this toxic substance, like if you were working in milling, shipyards, construction, demolition or certain other areas.
- If you served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the water was contaminated for a period of time, so it’s a good idea to look into whether you were affected.
For more information on hazardous chemicals and how you may be compensated for conditions from these exposures, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. If you suspect you were exposed to a toxin, bring this up with your health care provider to help guide your care.
Get your routine cancer screenings!
Now that you’ve completed your service, it’s important to stay on top of your health to potentially prevent cancer or detect it early, when treatment is more likely to be successful. If you’re of average risk, talk to your health care provider about the following routine screenings:
- Breast cancer screening (age 40+)
- Cervical cancer screening (age 21+)
- Colorectal cancer screening (age 45+)
- Lung cancer screening (If you smoke cigarettes or have quit within the past 15 years and have at least a 20 pack-year history, age 50+)
- Prostate cancer screening (age 50+)
- Oral cancer check (Visit your dentist every 6 months and ask for an oral cancer exam, all ages)
- Hepatitis B vaccine (all ages, up to age 59)
- Hepatitis B test (age 18+, at least once in your lifetime)
- Hepatitis C test (age 18+, at least once in your lifetime)
- Skin cancer check (all ages)
- Testicular cancer check (all ages)
For more details, visit preventcancer.org/screenings.
Skin health and sun protection
Military service can increase your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen is not always issued during trainings and deployment, and certain terrains may mean you had increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. For example, if you were spending time at sea with minimal shade, in mountainous regions at higher altitudes or as a military pilot, you probably had lots of sun exposure. New aircrafts are designed to protect against UV rays, but older aircrafts were not. Certain medications increase your risk of sunburn, so if you had to take antibiotics or medication to prevent malaria, for example, it’s possible that you were more likely to get sunburn as a side effect.
So what can we do about those risk factors today? First, make sure to get an annual skin check at the dermatologist and bring up changes on your body or other concerns. To keep up with any changes on your body, do a monthly self-check using the ABCDEs of skin cancer.
To reduce your skin cancer risk moving forward, avoid being in the sun when sunlight is strongest, always use sunscreen and lip balm SPF 30 or higher with UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection, and wear protective clothing and hats.
Culture of smoking in the military
Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths for veterans.
Did you start smoking or increase your tobacco use in the military? If so, you’re not alone. 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.
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. There is also counseling and other assistance provided.
If you’re between ages 50 and 80, currently smoke cigarettes or have quit within the past 15 years, and have at least a 20 pack-year history, talk with your health care provider about getting screened for lung cancer. Routine lung cancer screening allows cancer to be detected earlier, when treatment can be most successful.
Get the support you need: Health care for veterans
Take advantage of the following services for veterans:
- The PACT Act expands benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxins. You can be compensated for PACT Act-related disability. Learn more.
- TRICARE is a health care program for military members, retirees and their families. See which cancer screenings are covered.
- Read through the Veterans Prostate Cancer Guide.
The bottom line: If you served in the military, you may have an increased cancer risk. Always pay attention to your body and don’t hesitate to ask for the care you need.