When it comes to navigating a serious health diagnosis, the decisions surrounding care can be overwhelming. For many Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a trusted path forward. One Air Force Veteran’s experience with prostate cancer illustrates how comprehensive, Veteran-centered care can make a profound difference. His journey highlights the importance of early detection, the strength of VA’s oncology services, and the value of staying connected to a dedicated support system. For those seeking prostate cancer care through the VA, his story offers both insight and encouragement.

Colonel Doug Howard, a retired Air Force officer with a doctorate in nursing practice, brought decades of clinical and administrative experience to his role within VA’s Office of the Medical Inspector. Having previously battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his 30s, Howard was no stranger to the complexities of cancer care. Yet when his physician recommended a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, he hesitated. Without any symptoms, he found it difficult to accept the possibility of a new diagnosis. However, recognizing the importance of proactive health monitoring, he chose to proceed—and ultimately, to trust the VA with his treatment.

I found this detail striking: even with a deep medical background, Howard initially resisted screening. It underscores how personal and emotional the process of diagnosis can be, regardless of one’s professional expertise. His decision to move forward with testing, and later treatment, was shaped not only by clinical necessity but by his confidence in the VA’s system.

Howard’s dual eligibility for Tricare and VA health care gave him options, but his choice to remain within the VA was deliberate. Through his work comparing VA and community care systems, he had seen firsthand the advantages VA could offer. He cited the VA’s superior wraparound services, experienced staff, and integrated approach to treatment as key reasons for his decision. For Veterans exposed to toxic substances like burn pits—something Howard experienced during deployments to Bagram Air Force Base and Kuwait—the VA’s recognition of prostate cancer as a presumptive condition under the PACT Act added another layer of reassurance.

The PACT Act has expanded health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to environmental hazards, and Howard’s familiarity with these provisions gave him added confidence in his care plan. After multidisciplinary consultations, he chose to undergo a radical prostatectomy through the VA. He emphasized the professionalism and compassion of the VA team, stating, “VA care is genuinely superior, and I know these folks are incredibly dedicated, so I want to stay with VA.”

Recovery after surgery brought its own set of challenges. Howard experienced a cardiac event shortly after the procedure and faced difficulties with catheter use and incontinence. Throughout it all, he leaned on the support of his VA care team. Nurses and doctors not only provided medical care but also extended genuine kindness—ensuring he had meals, supplies, and emotional support during his recovery. He described feeling as though the team was holding his hand every step of the way, a sentiment that speaks volumes about the culture of care within the VA system.

Howard’s experience sheds light on the broader value of VA cancer care, particularly for those dealing with prostate cancer. His story also highlights the importance of early detection and the role of PSA testing, especially for individuals who may not present obvious symptoms. For Veterans who may be hesitant or unsure about seeking care, his advice is clear: trust the VA, stay engaged with your care team, and know that you are not alone.

For those newly diagnosed or undergoing treatment, the VA offers additional resources such as the National TeleOncology program. One notable initiative is the “Living Well with Cancer” virtual support group. Led by a clinical psychologist, this group offers Veterans a space to discuss stress management, grief, health behaviors, and finding purpose during their cancer journey. It’s open to Veterans at any stage—from diagnosis to survivorship—and provides a valuable community of shared experience.

Howard’s story is a testament to the strength of the VA health care system and the resilience of the Veterans it serves. His journey through prostate cancer, supported by a team he trusted, reflects the best of what Veteran-centered care can achieve. For those facing similar diagnoses, his experience offers both a roadmap and a source of hope.

Read more at news.va.gov