Mesothelioma and Asbestos

The Veterans as well as Cancer Project, a task force set up by a chapter of Gilda’s Club in Pennsylvania, is reaching out to local veterans. Studies possess found that U.S. soldierlike veterans are 25 to 75 percent more likely to develop certain types of cancer than the rest of the population. Veterans, including Navy veterans, account for over 30% of American mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Those who served in the soldierlike between 1940 as well as 1970 are at the highest risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. The Department of Veterans Affairs has identified Agent Orange as well as other substances that increase cancer risks for vets, as well as it has created programs to help these vets receive health care for their exposure-related illnesses.

Many veterans may not realize that their cancer is connected to their soldierlike service history or that they could be eligible for government benefits. The Veterans as well as Cancer Project hopes to raise awareness as well as provide support to veterans as well as their families. The group hosted their earliest formal program on September 19 at Doylestown Hospital’s Health as well as Wellness Center, bringing in a cancer specialist to answer questions as well as provide information about exposure, health risks as well as benefits. There are 60,000 veterans in Bucks County, Pennsylvania alone. The task force will hold without charge monthly programs in the county as well as surrounding areas to reach out to vets as well as honor them.

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