U.S. veterans are at a high risk of mesothelioma and other cancers if they were exposed to asbestos. In honor of National Cancer Prevention Month, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center is sharing ways you can raise awareness, help veterans with mesothelioma, and fight to end cancer.
Raising Awareness for National Cancer Prevention Month 2025
National Cancer Prevention Month is a time to explore ways of reducing cancer risk and sharing prevention information.
The best way to prevent cancer is to reduce risks, like smoking and asbestos exposure. You can decrease your risk of cancer or detect it early by making healthy choices, scheduling doctor visits, and following routine cancer screening guidelines.
It’s important for U.S. veterans to understand their options since they’re at a higher risk of cancer due to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos-caused cancers include:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestos lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Stomach cancer
If you or a veteran you love has an asbestos-caused cancer, get our Free Veterans Packet now to explore treatments and financial compensation.
Preventing Asbestos-Caused Cancers in Veterans
There is no way to prevent asbestos-caused cancers like mesothelioma once someone has been exposed.
U.S. veterans were put at a high risk of asbestos exposure since all branches of the military used this material between the 1930s and early 1980s.
“I was a boiler tender when I went aboard my first ship. I asked them what material it was made out of and they told me it was asbestos. It didn’t kill anybody on the spot, that’s for sure. It took years later. That’s when it started catching up with us.”
— Walter Twidwell, U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma
The dangers of asbestos products were hidden from the military and public by manufacturers. Thankfully, affected veterans can pursue benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), treatments, and compensation.
Contact us now to get the benefits and medical care you deserve following a mesothelioma diagnosis.
How Does Asbestos Exposure Cause Cancer?
Asbestos fibers are microscopic and highly durable. When the fibers are breathed in or swallowed, they can get stuck in the body for decades.
Over time, asbestos fibers irritate healthy tissue and may lead to mutations that cause cancerous tumors, usually 10-50 years after exposure.
Those exposed are at risk of several types of cancer. However, not everyone exposed to asbestos will get sick.
Participating in National Cancer Prevention Month
Whether you’re a veteran looking for ways to reduce your risk or a family member seeking to support someone you love, there are many ways to get involved during National Cancer Prevention Month.
Learn about three ways you can take action below.
1. Stop Smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Smoking combined with asbestos exposure puts people at an even higher risk of asbestos lung cancer.
Cigarette smoke can worsen the damage caused by asbestos. By quitting, you can reduce your chances of lung cancer and other asbestos-related cancers.
2. Talk With Doctors
If you were exposed to asbestos, even if it was decades ago, tell your doctor. Knowing your exposure history will allow them to set up cancer screenings, even if you aren’t showing symptoms.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) also recommends preventative screenings for current or former smokers age 50 or over.
Preventive cancer screenings can help you get an early diagnosis and even access more effective treatment options before the cancer spreads. U.S. veterans can pursue free or low-cost doctor visits if they have VA health care.
File for VA health care and other benefits right now with our assistance.
3. Spread the Word
Mesothelioma is an incredibly rare cancer, with only 3,000 cases diagnosed annually. As a result, the average person may not fully understand this illness or if they’re at risk.
Here are key points you can share:
- Asbestos causes tens of thousands of cancer cases annually
- Symptoms may not appear until 10-50 years after exposure
- The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure
- Other cancers linked to asbestos include ovarian and lung cancer
- U.S. veterans account for 33% of all mesothelioma cases
Simply sharing information during National Cancer Prevention Month about asbestos-caused cancers and how to stay safe can go a long way in helping others.
Get Help With Asbestos-Caused Cancers This Month
While it may not be possible to totally prevent asbestos-caused cancers, knowing about the dangers and taking early action can help reduce your risks.
For veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you don’t have to fight alone. Our team can help you navigate treatment information and pursue VA benefits and compensation, if you’re eligible.
Get a Free Veterans Packet or call (877) 450-8973 now to see how we can assist you.