Prostate Cancer Veterans

Statistics show that military personnel are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Learn more about the support ZERO can provide you in your cancer journey.

WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER?

Prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate. The prostate is a walnut shaped gland in the male reproductive system located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra and makes the fluid to nourish and protect sperm cells.

Cancer is defined as the uncontrolled growth of cells into tumors. Tumors can be benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Most prostate cancer grows slowly and stays in the prostate. However, some can be aggressive and can spread quickly.

WHY ARE VETERANS AT HIGHER RISK?

Those exposed to toxic chemicals and herbicides while in the military are at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer. Exposures such as Agent Orange, burn pits, and PFAS and PFOA chemicals have all been
shown to increase the risk of cancer, including prostate cancer. There may be other service-connected factors that increase the risk of prostate cancer, including factors affecting those who serve in military aviation. However, these factors are not yet well understood.

It is because of this higher risk of prostate cancer that every Veteran needs to be aware of the risks and treatment options, whether it be through the Veterans Health Administration, the Community Care Network, or a separate treatment facility.

WHY ARE VETERANS AT HIGHER RISK?

An Urgent Need
There are some alarming numbers related to Veterans and prostate cancer that require immediate action as well as long-term planning to ensure that Veterans get the support they need.

Nearly 489,000 prostate cancer patients are in the VA health system. 16,000 of these patients have metastatic prostate cancer.
9 million Veterans receive healthcare from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
Military personnel are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer as the general public.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among U.S. Veterans, and makes up 30% of new cancer diagnoses in the VA.
The burden of prostate cancer among Veterans is substantial with over 200,000 survivors and 12,000 new diagnoses annually.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Every 15 minutes, an American man dies from prostate cancer. That is more than 96 deaths per day. A man’s risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and most prostate cancer is found in men over the age of 50. The greatest risk factors are family history, African ancestry, and increasing age. Active-duty military personnel are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.*