lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Screening: What is a Nodule?

Information provided by Dr. Gregory Holt – Lung Cancer Kilts

A pulmonary nodule is that dreaded “spot” seen on a Chest CT scan and could mean anything from an old scar to lung cancer. They are typically less than 3 cm in diameter (about 1 1/4th inches). Spots greater than 3cm (1 1/4th inch) are considered masses and are included in the category of findings that require urgent evaluation.

Nodules are characterized based on how they look. Ground Glass Opacities, nicknamed GGOs, are hazy structures with borders that are difficult to define. Solid nodules are firm structures with clear borders. Semi-solid nodules have characteristics of both solid and GGOs. Completely calcified nodules are not worrisome. Calcified nodules are extremely dense and mean the nodule has been there so long, they’ve basically turned to stone. It is difficult to make a final diagnosis on the basis of the Chest CT alone and consultation with a pulmonologist (doctor who specializes in lungs) can help.

Lung Cancer Screening: What is a Low Dose Chest CT?

Marked Improvement in Lung Cancer Mortality!

Tampa VA Hospital Health Fair

On April 26th the VISN8 LPOP Team were part of the the Tampa VA Hosptial Health fair. Vet Info strongly support and Advocates for LPOP and their work to help decrease the number of Veterans who die from lung cancer by providing yearly screening for those at risk. For more information please contact
visn8lpop@va.gov
and you can find more information at myhealth.va.gov

Team Vet Info / VISN8 LPOP Fight for Air Climb Tampa

Vet Info teamed up with VISN8 LPOP-Tampa to honor our Veterans who lost the fight or continue to fight with lung-related issues. The American Lung Association held its annual Fight for Air Climb at the Bank of America Building in Downtown Tampa.

This climb consisted of 42 stories, equal to 914 steps which all team members who could participate completed in under 27 minutes. Team Vet Info / VISN8 LPOP raised $1,145.00 for this worthy cause, met numerous Veterans during the event, and spread the word about Lung Cancer Screening and Research! Well over One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars was raised during the day-long event, with ages ranging from 10 years old to 80 years old facing the challenge.

The Stars of the show were the local firefighters who donned full safety gear weighing over 90 pounds and raced to the finish line on the 42nd floor.
No Veteran Left Behind!

Presentation of VISN8 LPOP Challenge Coins to Dept. of Veteran Affairs Gulf War Illness Research Advisory Committee.

Members of the Department of Veteran Affairs Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illness Holding VISN8 LPOP Challenge Coins presented during a parent committee meeting held in Oahu Hawaii.

During the Department of Veterans Affairs Gulf War Illness Research Advisory Committee meeting held at the Oahu Vet Center in Hawaii members were presented with Challenge coins by the VISN8 LPOP Veteran Advocate who was present. This was given for the hard work and dedication of the advisory members. The Hawaiian Islands are home to 112,000 Military Veterans, 50,000+ Active Duty Service Members, and 9,600 Hawaii State Guard members.

VA Announces nine rare respiratory Cancers as presumed service-Connected Disabilities.

On April 25, 2022, VA announced that nine rare respiratory cancers are now presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposures to fine particulate matter. These cancers include:

Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx
Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea
Adenocarcinoma of the trachea
Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea
Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung
Large cell carcinoma of the lung
Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung
Typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung

VA will process disability compensation claims for these conditions for Veterans who served any amount of time in the Southwest Asia theater of operations beginning Aug. 2, 1990, to the present, or Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria or Djibouti beginning Sept. 19, 2001, to the present.

VA added 3 presumptive conditions related to particulate matter exposure

The new presumptive conditions are asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis. To be eligible for benefits, you must have gotten one of these conditions within 10 years of your separation from active service.

This will expand benefits for Veterans who served in:

Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, and Uzbekistan during the Persian Gulf War, from September 19, 2001, to the present, or
The Southwest Asia theater of operations from August 2, 1990, to the present

If you have a pending claim for one or more of these conditions, you don’t need to do anything. We’ll send you a decision notice when we complete our review.

For more information about VA benefits and eligibility, or how to file a claim, Veterans and survivors can visit www.VA.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Visit the VA Website on this issue. VA Website on newly added cancers

Lung Cancer (LPOP) Did you know?

Did you know?

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 2.1 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths in a single year.* However, if found early, lung cancer can be treated.