Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among U.S. veterans, who are twice as likely to be diagnosed than men in the general public. In fact, one in five U.S. veterans are at risk for developing prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Historical access to care issues within the VA, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, have increased the impact of this disease among veterans, who are often not screened for prostate cancer until it’s too late. Even when cancer is identified, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) lacks an adequate plan to protect veterans from this deadly disease. It is critical that Congress acts now by increasing access to preventative prostate cancer care and mandating the creation of a standardized clinical treatment pathway within the VA to help ensure that more veterans do not unnecessarily die from prostate cancer.
Veterans and active military servicemembers know the importance of having a clear plan of attack for defeating your enemies. For me, that became even more apparent when I was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer in 2012. At the time, I was only 41 years old, and I was serving as a commander in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. After the initial shock of a cancer diagnosis, my military training kicked in, helping me figure out my next steps and my plan for fighting cancer. My treatment has included hormone therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy, and so far, has helped me hold the disease in check.
By establishing a clinical pathway for prostate cancer through the VA, lawmakers can provide a clear plan of attack and support for veterans fighting prostate cancer. Legislation should address all stages of prostate cancer, from early detection to end-of-life care. Congressional action would also help draw attention to veterans who are at an elevated risk for the disease due to evidence-based risk factors, like race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and family history. A clinical pathway would also lead to the development of a suggested protocol for prostate screening, diagnosis, treatment, or care based on severity and stage of cancer to provide veterans with all-inclusive support for the disease.
Veterans are an extremely high-risk patient population for developing prostate cancer. The United States has an aging veteran population and many veterans have been exposed to herbicides, such as Agent Orange — two factors that further increase the risk for prostate cancer. Black men are 1.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.2 times more likely to die from prostate cancer, highlighting the disparate impact of prostate cancer on Black veterans, who are most at risk for the disease.
There are already nearly 489,000 prostate cancer patients in the VA health care system, and 16,000 of these patients have metastatic prostate cancer, meaning the cancer has spread to other parts of their bodies. With many men catching up on regular prostate check-ups now, the number of prostate cancer patients within the VA is expected to rise. Early detection of prostate cancer is critical for improving treatment and survival rates.
Congress has the power to expand access to prostate cancer care and help protect veterans. As we appreciate the sacrifices our veterans make, let’s honor them by improving health care services for veterans and passing crucial legislation to increase prostate cancer care in the VA.
Col. Paul Taylor (Ret.) is a retired Army Colonel with more than 20 years of service, and is an advocate with ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer.
Editor’s note: This is an Op-Ed and as such, the opinions expressed are those of the author. If you would like to respond, or have an editorial of your own you would like to submit, please contact Military Times senior managing editor Howard Altman, haltman@militarytimes.com.
