We are proud to endorse the Toxic Exposure in the American Military (TEAM) Act reintroduced this week by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and in the House by Representative Mike Bost (R-IL) which will expand health care eligibility and create a framework for establishing presumptive service connection for all military toxic exposures, now and in the future.
Of specific concern to the GO2 for Lung Cancer is the lung cancer risk among ground troops deployed during the Gulf Wars, whose exposures included asbestos, chromium, diesel exhaust, radon, crystalline silica, pesticides, pollutants and particulate matter from burn pits, oil well fires and the destruction of chemical weapons including sarin gas. While research focused on these veterans is urgently needed, given lung cancer’s long latency period; efforts should also be made to provide lung cancer screening before symptoms become evident; this is the only proven method to detect lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.
GO2 for Lung Cancer’s commitment to Veterans is clear. We are a champion and a resource for Veterans who have a higher risk of lung cancer. We have formal partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve lung cancer care and outcomes for our military. We are a member of the Toxic Exposures in the American Military (TEAM) Coalition.
With the reintroduced TEAM Act, we continue to endorse improvements in the way the VA evaluates and provides care for all veterans suffering from conditions that may be associated with toxic exposures.
Read more in a press release from Senator Tillis.
It is CRITICAL that every veteran receive CTScans as part of their exams/physical as a PREVENTATIVE measure for EARLY detection of lung cancer. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer with unknown ardenocarcinoma on 2/11/18 and passed on 3/30/18 one month into retirement. Prior to 2/11/18 his PCP was treating him first for a viral infection then pneumonia and finally after 4 months of trying different medications etc decided to do a CTScan which confirmed terminal lung cancer. With that being said had there been a protocol for regular CTScans on a regular basis, I am sure my husband might have been given a chance to fight for his life.
After his passing ( since he was a Vietnam veteran), I forwarded his medical records to the VA. They confirmed he died from complications to Agent Orange. Receiving benefits each month does NOT bring him back !!! Early detection would have given him a FIGHTING chance… Like he fought for his country as a Marine!
My daughter and I lobbied with Bonnie and the Lung Cancer Alliance in Washington DC in July 2018. We are WILLING and READY to do whatever it takes to make sure our veterans are given the CARE they so deserve.