Veterans face surprising threat after cancer diagnosis, study reveals
In a press release statement, Sullivan added that a cancer diagnosis is often a “profound shock.”
“Even cancers with good survival rates can trigger an immediate fear of death,” he said. “That initial moment, combined with pain, treatment side effects, anxiety or depression, can be incredibly destabilizing.”
“We hope to raise awareness and inform the development of approaches to better support veterans,” said the lead researcher. (iStock)
Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call — a nonprofit veteran advocacy group — reflected on these findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“The study shows that more investigation and action is needed to medicate the higher percentage of veterans diagnosed with cancer committing suicide,” said Whaley, who was not involved in the study.
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“Understanding the chain of events and upstream factors is vital, as is sharing the study results and recommendations with veteran support organizations involved in these efforts on the ground in communities across the nation.”
Whaley also stressed the importance of recognizing that health encompasses both mental and physical well-being, especially for military service members.
An expert stressed the importance of recognizing that health encompasses both mental and physical well-being, especially for military service members. (iStock)
“Just as we trained in physical fitness daily, we must exercise our mental health in the same manner,” he said. “Veterans sometimes need the tools to do that.”
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While veterans are “great” at helping other veterans, Whaley suggested that they’re “not so good at asking for help.” It’s imperative that loved ones and people within the veteran community watch for warning signs of mental health decline, he added.
The number of veteran suicides is 425% higher than the number of combat deaths since 9/11, he noted.
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“Despite good intentions, the decline in the number of suicides is not dropping enough to end this scourge,” Whaley said. “We need to combine efforts in research, outreach and care … It is a national crisis that needs a national-level task force.”
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/veterans-face-surprising-threat-after-cancer-diagnosis-study-reveals