{"id":8198,"date":"2024-06-27T20:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-27T20:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8198"},"modified":"2024-06-27T20:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T20:30:00","slug":"caring-for-the-whole-veteran-beyond-treatment-vas-role-in-cancer-survivorship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8198","title":{"rendered":"Caring for the whole Veteran beyond treatment: VA\u2019s role in cancer survivorship"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-06-27T20:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

In June, VA honors National Cancer Survivor Month<\/a> by spotlighting the brave journey of Veteran cancer survivors and the many ways they can find support at VA beyond their cancer treatment.<\/p>\n

Cancer survivorship<\/a> is more than overcoming physical challenges. It is a path of resilience, hope and healing that extends well beyond treatment. For Veterans like Seth King, who served in the Air Force for seven years, this journey has been filled with both trials and triumphs. Throughout it all, his dedicated VA cancer care team has been a dependable companion, providing unwavering support at every step of the way.<\/p>\n

King, who faced a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin\u2019s Lymphoma<\/a>, understands firsthand the challenging road for Veterans dealing with cancer\u2014not just once, but twice. King was first diagnosed in 2010 when his physician found a lump on his neck after a routine visit at the Stratton VA Medical Center<\/a> in Albany, New York.<\/p>\n

After six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by several rounds of radiation treatment, he was found to have no evidence of cancer. Then, in 2014, King felt a similar lump near his collarbone. His physician suggested a new treatment approach and VA flew him to Seattle VA Medical Center<\/a>, where he underwent a stem cell transplant over the course of three months. The treatment was effective, but VA\u2019s care didn\u2019t stop there. King has been in remission ever since and his primary care team continues to monitor his overall health.<\/p>\n

VA cancer survivorship care adapts to meet Veteran\u2019s need<\/h2>\n

Throughout King\u2019s journey, his doubts, fears and concerns were alleviated by his VA cancer care team. \u201cFrom the beginning, the nurses and doctors were excellent, and I can\u2019t praise them enough for quality of care,\u201d he said. \u201cIf I ever had a question or worry, I could call, the on-call person would pass my concerns on, and the doctor would respond.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing shoulder to shoulder with Veterans beyond cancer treatment through cancer survivorship care<\/h3>\n

Even beyond cancer treatment and recovery, King found comfort in VA\u2019s comprehensive support. More recently, he had an appointment with his primary care provider (PCP) where he shared concerns about his housing situation and that his mental health was not in a good place. \u201cMy VA PCP took it upon herself to reach out to VA\u2019s social support network and helped me out based on what I needed,\u201d King said. He\u2019s since secured permanent housing, due in part to VA\u2019s support.<\/p>\n

VA support programs for cancer survivorship<\/h2>\n

At VA, survivorship is not just a phase\u2014it is an ongoing commitment to empowering Veterans to thrive beyond their diagnosis. Through a range of specialized resources and support services, VA provides Veterans with the tools they need to navigate every stage of their journey:<\/p>\n