Veteran Cancer Talk

About Veteran Cancer Talk

Veteran Cancer Talk is where veterans, caregivers, survivors, medical professionals, researchers, and advocates come together for honest conversations about cancer in the veteran community. Hosted by Marine Corps veterans Casey and Ashton Kroner of the Veteran Cancer Network, the show goes beyond diagnosis to talk about the things veterans and families often have to figure out along the way - navigating VA healthcare and benefits, understanding treatment options, dealing with toxic exposures, supporting caregivers, adjusting to life after treatment, and finding resources that can actually help. We also sit down with veterans to share their cancer stories and with experts and organizations working to improve cancer research, detection, treatment, and survivorship. Some episodes are personal. Some are practical. Some challenge the way we currently approach cancer in veterans. But every conversation has the same purpose: help veterans and their families get better information, find support, and know what questions to ask. Veteran Cancer Talk is a podcast of the Veteran Cancer Network. Earlier Answers. Stronger Futures. Want to Connect With Us? Need support, looking for trusted resources, or want to share your story on Veteran Cancer Talk? Visit VeteranCancerNetwork.org (http://VeteranCancerNetwork.org) to explore our resources, learn more about the Veteran Cancer Network, or reach out about being a guest on the podcast. Your story could be the one another veteran or family needs to hear.

Publisher

Casey & Ashton Kroner

Category

health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Jan 2026

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

29 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Oct 2026

   94,457 Veterans Died From Cancer in 2024. Why Aren't We Talking About This?

   In 2024, 94,457 veterans died from cancer, making it the second leading cause of death among U.S. veterans, according to figures discussed from the VA's National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. So why don't we have one comprehensive, easy-to-understand national report showing what's happening with cancer across the veteran population? In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, we take a closer look at the numbers, the information currently available, and why better national reporting could help veterans, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy organizations understand the true impact of cancer on those who served. We discuss: Why cancer deaths among veterans deserve greater national attention. The difference between cancer data collected within the VA healthcare system and data covering the entire veteran population. Why tracking cancer diagnoses, early detection, treatment access, and survival outcomes matters. The challenges veterans face during treatment and long after cancer care ends. The connection between a cancer diagnosis and mental health. Why accessible, transparent national reporting could help identify gaps in veteran cancer care. This conversation isn't about criticizing the VA or taking attention away from veteran suicide prevention. It's about asking an important question: Are we doing enough to understand the impact of cancer on our nation's veterans? At Veteran Cancer Network, we believe better information can lead to better conversations, stronger advocacy, and improved outcomes for veterans and their families. What do you think? Is veteran cancer receiving the national attention it deserves? Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network and find resources at https://veterancancernetwork.org (https://veterancancernetwork.org/) If you are a veteran experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

2. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Veterans Health Blind Spot

   The military asks a lot of questions about our health before we’re allowed to serve. But when we leave, does our civilian doctor even know we were in? In “Veterans Health Blind Spot,” Marine Corps veteran and Veteran Cancer Network Chair Ashton Kroner talks about what gets missed when military service never makes it into a patient’s medical history. We look at the “healthy soldier effect,” the physical demands and exposures that can follow us home, and the gaps in how civilian healthcare identifies and cares for veterans. The starting point is simple: “Have you ever served?” That question won’t diagnose an illness, but it can open a conversation about where someone served, what they did, and what their provider may need to know. If you’re a veteran, don’t wait for someone to ask. Your service is part of your health history. If you work in healthcare, help make that question part of the conversation. Learn more: https://veterancancernetwork.org (https://veterancancernetwork.org)

3. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Fighting Cancer While Fighting TRICARE with Patrick Naughton

   What happens when fighting cancer is only part of the battle? In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Casey sits down with recently retired Army veteran, author, father, and cancer survivor Patrick Naughton. After nearly 30 years of military service, Patrick was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer while still on active duty. What he thought would be a routine colonoscopy revealed a mass, leading to surgery, chemotherapy, and an entirely new fight—trying to navigate the TRICARE referral system while undergoing cancer treatment. Patrick shares what worked for him, including how getting connected with a TRICARE case manager changed his experience and why he believes service members need to closely review their referrals and advocate for themselves. We also talk about: • His nearly 30-year Army career • Possible military environmental exposures • The missed opportunity for earlier cancer screening • Surgery and chemotherapy • Fighting through TRICARE referrals and denials • Why earlier, risk-based cancer screening matters • The Cancer Warrior patches Patrick gives to others facing cancer • Supporting the children and families of cancer patients • Finding purpose during treatment • Writing his second book while going through chemotherapy • Life after treatment and his transition into retirement Patrick's story is another reminder that we cannot continue waiting until veterans and service members develop symptoms before we start looking for cancer. Earlier Answers. Stronger Futures. Learn more about Patrick Naughton, his writing, upcoming books, and how to contact him: https://www.patnaughton.com (https://www.patnaughton.com) Purchase Patrick’s new book, Baker Battery Goes to War, from Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baker-battery-goes-to-war-patrick-w-naughton-jr/1151325193?ean=9798996933013 (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baker-battery-goes-to-war-patrick-w-naughton-jr/1151325193?ean=9798996933013) Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network: https://veterancancernetwork.org (https://veterancancernetwork.org) Veteran Cancer Talk is presented by Veteran Cancer Network.

Contact Veteran Cancer Talk

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.