Lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer in the U.S., yet many tumors develop without symptoms until the disease has progressed. For female service members, the risk is uniquely elevated.
Bianka Eperjesiova, M.D., former director of interventional pulmonology at the Veterans Health Administration, warns that all veterans constitute a high-risk population. Historical exposure to burn pits, asbestos, radon, and uranium has altered genetic predispositions, making lung cancer a threat even for nonsmokers.
“There is no such thing as a low-risk veteran,” Eperjesiova stated.
Diagnosis relies on regular CT scans. When abnormalities appear, physicians are increasingly turning to robot-assisted bronchoscopy, utilizing systems like Ion or Monarch. These tools allow for minimally invasive biopsies and precise lymph node sampling to determine staging.
For early-stage disease, robotic surgical platforms like daVinci or Mako enable surgeons to remove minimal tissue. Advanced cases may require radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. The VHA’s vast network provides access to cutting-edge equipment and clinical trials.
Despite these advances, geographic disparities persist. Veterans in rural areas, far from major medical centers, are less likely to seek preventive screenings. Closing this gap, Eperjesiova notes, is essential for catching cancer in its treatable stages.