U.S. Military veterans have faced hardships that most Americans could never comprehend. And while many chose to put their lives on the line to protect America, many veterans never expected that their time in the service could kill them decades after they returned home.
Many veterans are now facing cancer, and in some cases that cancer was caused by exposures that occurred during their time in the military. For example, veterans suffering from lung cancer or mesothelioma were likely exposed to asbestos while in the service.
Now, one Bucks County, Pennsylvania organization is hoping to change that. The Veterans and Cancer Project is a newly-developed task force run by the Delaware chapter of Gilda’s Club. The group held its first meeting last Saturday, where a cancer specialist answered questions, and information about veteran medical support and benefits were also discussed.
The organization will hold free meetings every month. Bucks County has an estimated 60,000 veterans, making it the fourth-largest military veteran population in Pennsylvania.
"We felt there was a large veteran’s community not only in Bucks County, but the Delaware Valley that we could develop," said Joe Morrison, a task force co-chairman. "It's a community that, in many ways, doesn't find its way to opportunities like a Gilda's Club, which many people feel is just for women, breast and ovarian cancer."
Studies have shown that veterans are 25 to 75 percent more likely than the general public to develop certain types of cancers. Veterans account for about than 30 percent of Americans with mesothelioma.
Veterans who served between 1940 and 1970 are considered to be at the highest risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions. However, those who have served or are currently serving in Iraq are also at risk of asbestos exposure, as asbestos exposure in Iraq remains a serious health concern.
Dr. Larry Schmitzer says the organization's goal is simple: "We want to reach out to veterans and make them feel special."
As a veteran myself, Doc Schmitzer, I can certainly appreciate that! For more information, visit an article from earlier this month on the PhillyBurbs website.
