Skip to Accessibility Menu Skip to Login Skip to Content Skip to Footer

How Are Veterans Affected by Prostate Cancer?

Editorial Team's avatar image

By Editorial Team

3 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: July 2024 | Last updated: July 2024

Prostate cancer can affect men of any age or background. But certain factors increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Risk factors include old age and family history of prostate cancer. Military veterans also have a higher risk of prostate cancer.1,2

The link between military service and prostate cancer is not always known. Veterans exposed to certain chemicals, such as Agent Orange, may have a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about diagnosing and treating prostate cancer.1,2

What is the link between veterans and prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among US veterans. About 1 in 5 US veterans will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than the general population.2

The reason for high rates of prostate cancer in veterans is not clear. But a few factors may contribute to the increased risk:1,2

  • Exposure to Agent Orange
  • Exposure to other toxic chemicals and herbicides (chemicals that kill plants)
  • Higher risk of sexually transmitted infections
  • Increased screening rates

How is Agent Orange linked to prostate cancer?

Agent Orange is the most well-studied risk factor for prostate cancer in veterans. It was an herbicide used by the US military in Southeast Asia between 1962 and 1971. The military sprayed about 20 million gallons of Agent Orange on vegetation. The intent was to clear the countryside of places for enemies to hide.3

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

More than 2.5 million US soldiers were exposed to Agent Orange. This includes people who sprayed it or loaded it onto trucks and trains. People who served in Vietnam, Korea, and Thailand or who flew on C-123 aircraft may have been exposed.3

After the Korean and Vietnam Wars, US soldiers started reporting health problems. This includes prostate cancer. Experts quickly identified Agent Orange and other herbicides as a potential cause. Agent Orange contained a dangerous chemical that can lead to cancer (carcinogen).3

Men exposed to Agent Orange tend to have a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. They also tend to be diagnosed younger. Studies are exploring how chemicals in Agent Orange may increase the risk and severity of prostate cancer.1-4

How can veterans with prostate cancer get treatment?

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your risk for prostate cancer. They can help determine whether you were exposed to Agent Orange. And your doctor can suggest the right screening or diagnostic options.

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

Agent Orange Registry health exam

The VA’s Agent Orange Registry health exam can alert veterans to risks for long-term health problems. The exam is free to eligible veterans. You do not have to get your other healthcare through the VA. The exam includes:5

  • Exposure history
  • Medical history
  • Physical exam
  • Other tests

The exam is open to veterans who:5

  • Served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975
  • Served in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone between 1967 and 1971
  • Served on Royal Thai Air Force bases in certain areas between 1961 and 1975
  • Flew or worked on a C-123 aircraft between 1969 and 1986

This exam will not confirm exposure to Agent Orange. Veterans should follow up with their doctor for any care and treatment. The first step is to contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator about getting an exam.5

Health care and disability compensation

The VA provides health care and disability compensation. Veterans who develop prostate cancer and were exposed to Agent Orange may be eligible. This is a separate process from the Agent Orange Registry health exam. You do not have to prove a link between Agent Orange and your prostate cancer.6

The first step is to confirm your eligibility. Then apply for healthcare benefits or file a claim for disability compensation. You can use VA healthcare alongside your Medicare or private insurance.2,6

Survivors’ benefits

The VA provides benefits to family members of veterans who have died. This includes surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents. You may be eligible if your loved one was exposed to Agent Orange and died from prostate cancer.7

The first step is to determine eligibility for VA survivors’ benefits.7