Agent Orange and Cancer: What You Need to Know
Presumptive Connection to Prostate Cancer
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) presumes a connection between Agent Orange and prostate cancer. This means that if you are a Vietnam veteran and have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may be eligible for VA benefits, even if you cannot prove that your cancer was caused by Agent Orange.
Other Cancers Associated with Agent Orange
In addition to prostate cancer, Agent Orange has also been linked to the following cancers:
- Respiratory cancers, including lung cancer
- Some soft tissue sarcomas
Dioxin: A Deadly Chemical in Agent Orange
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has classified one chemical in Agent Orange, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), also sometimes referred to as dioxin, as a known human carcinogen. Dioxin is a highly toxic chemical that has been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer.
Getting Help for Agent Orange-Related Cancer
If you are a Vietnam veteran and have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or another cancer that is associated with Agent Orange, you should contact the VA to learn about your benefits. The VA offers a number of programs to help veterans who have been exposed to Agent Orange, including:
- Medical care
- Disability compensation
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Educational assistance
The VA can also help you to file a claim for benefits. If you have any questions about Agent Orange and its connection to cancer, you can contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000.
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