Cancer Support & Resources for Our Veterans

Having access to cancer care, education, and support resources is vital for anyone facing a diagnosis, including the men and women who have served our country. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 56,000 veterans are diagnosed with cancer every year in the VA system.¹

VA Cancer Support Is Available

Veterans can face unique challenges in their cancer experience. If you are a U.S. veteran who is newly diagnosed with cancer, there are cancer programs and services that can help. The VA offers various programs designed to assist veterans living with cancer. These include:

• National Precision Oncology Program: This program takes a personalized approach to your cancer journey and can help more accurately show what type of services are most beneficial through the use of multiple tools.²
• National TeleOncology: For veterans who don’t have access to needed specialty cancer care, this service makes it possible to meet with VA cancer specialists through an internet-connected computer, phone, or tablet. Veterans can use the service at home or at a local VA medical center. To find out if NTO may be an option for you, the VA recommends talking with your healthcare provider.³
• Veterans Transportation Program: This program offers transportation services to and from VA care facilities. This can help alleviate the stress and burden of arranging transportation, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.⁴
• Online Prescription Management: The VA offers tools for veterans to receive and track their prescriptions online to simplify medication management and help ensure adherence to treatment regimens. This can help reduce the likelihood of missed doses or complications.⁵

In April, the VA also announced an expansion of its Close to Me program, which brings cancer care closer to veterans. VA care teams travel to local clinics and other VA facilities, including rural locations. With the expansion of the program, the VA aims to bring cancer diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance services closer to an additional 9,000 veterans and 30 locations by November 2025.

If you have questions about these or other VA cancer services and resources, reach out to your local VA center. You can find a full list of VA cancer services and resources on its website. The VA also a health benefits hotline at 877-222-8387.

Seek a Personalized Care Plan

Some veterans may face unique cancer risks due to potential exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals during their service. If you or a loved one is a U.S. veteran, talk with your healthcare team about possible exposures during your time of service. 

Your care team can work with you to understand your unique situation, discuss your concerns and preferences, and create a personalized healthcare plan to lower your risk of cancer. This may include options like scheduling routine cancer screenings and hereditary cancer testing, depending on your individual needs.

Cancer Support to Uplift & Strengthen You 

In addition to having medical access, emotional and social support is also important when coping with cancer. If there’s a veteran or anyone else in your life who is facing a cancer diagnosis, encourage them to take advantage of our free resources for patients, survivors, caregivers, and families impacted by cancer:

1. Reach out to our Cancer Support Helpline. Our Helpline provides personalized navigation tailored to the needs of anyone dealing with cancer, whether a cancer patient or a loved one. Call the Helpline at 888-793-9355 or reach out via our live web chat service.
2. Find a supportive and caring CSC location near you. CSC and Gilda's Club locations offer a variety of professional led programs, including support groups and educational workshops, all at no cost to anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
3. Connect to our free, online cancer community. Create a personal support site to join your family and friends together and meet others like you to reduce stress, anxiety, and isolation.

A Salute to Our Veterans

On Veterans Day, we join with all Americans in thanking and honoring our veterans for their service to our country. Find Veterans Day resources, facts & information.

Support is a vital part of any cancer experience. We are here to provide relevant and highly personalized support when and where it’s needed most. If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, remember you are not alone. At CSC, our vision is that everyone impacted by cancer receives the support they want and need throughout their experience.