Researchers have found more evidence that Agent Orange causes cancer in Vietnam-era veterans who worked with it.
The study of 479 veterans who were involved in Agent Orange defoliation missions during the war shows they have more than twice the risk of developing a blood condition that can lead to cancer as similar veterans who didn't work with the chemical.
The condition is called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance or MGUS for short. It's a precursor for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
Agent Orange was used to strip Vietnamese and Cambodian jungles and fields by U.S. forces during the Vietnam war. It refers to several herbicides, nicknamed for the orange stripe on the barrels in which they were stored. They include 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid.
The worst effects are seen among the people living in the areas sprayed.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that Agent Orange causes multiple myeloma as wells as several types of leukemia, other cancers, diabetes, heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Veterans who can show they were exposed to it are supposed to get medical care for such conditions and they can get disability compensation.
Dr. Ola Landgren of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and colleagues compared 479 Americans involved in Operation Ranch Hand spraying missions to 479 veterans who were not.
They found 7 percent of the Operation Ranch Hand vets had MGUS, compared to 3 percent of other veterans.
"Our findings of increased MGUS risk among Ranch Hand veterans supports an association between Agent Orange exposure and multiple myeloma," they wrote in the Journal of the American Medical Association's JAMA Oncology.
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Thursday, September 3, 2015
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a hematological (blood) cancer that develops in the plasma cells found in the soft, spongy tissue at the center of your bones, called bone marrow. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies (immunoglobulins) which are critical for maintaining the body’s immune system. Through a complex, multi-step process, healthy plasma cells transform in malignant myeloma cells.
Myeloma cells result in the production of abnormal antibodies, or M proteins. A high level of M protein in the blood is the hallmark characteristic of multiple myeloma. Additionally, all myeloma cells are identical to each other and produce large quantities of the same specific M protein (for example, IgG or IgA). The M proteins offer no benefit to the body, and as the amount of M protein increases, it crowds out normally functioning immunoglobulins. This ultimately causes multiple myeloma symptoms such as bone damage or kidney problems.
In healthy bone marrow, B-cells, a type of white blood cell, develop into antibody-producing plasma cells when foreign substances (antigens) enter the body. In multiple myeloma, DNA damage to a B-cell transforms the normal plasma cell into a multiple myeloma cell. The cancerous cell multiplies, leaving less space for normal blood cells in the bone marrow, and produces large quantities of M protein.
Multiple Myeloma typically occurs in bone marrow with the most activity, which is the marrow in the spine, pelvic bones, ribs, and area of the shoulders and hips. In addition, groups of myeloma cells cause other cells in the bone marrow to remove the solid part of the bone and cause osteolytic lesions, or soft spots in the bone, resulting in weakened bones and increasing the risk of fractures. Although common, these lesions or other signs of bone loss do not occur in all patients with myeloma.
In addition, groups of myeloma cells cause other cells in the bone marrow to remove the solid part of the bone and cause osteolytic lesions, or soft spots in the bone, resulting in weakened bones and increasing the risk of fractures. Although common, these lesions or other signs of bone loss do not occur in all patients with multiple myeloma.
Learn More about Multiple Myeloma Here
Myeloma cells result in the production of abnormal antibodies, or M proteins. A high level of M protein in the blood is the hallmark characteristic of multiple myeloma. Additionally, all myeloma cells are identical to each other and produce large quantities of the same specific M protein (for example, IgG or IgA). The M proteins offer no benefit to the body, and as the amount of M protein increases, it crowds out normally functioning immunoglobulins. This ultimately causes multiple myeloma symptoms such as bone damage or kidney problems.
Multiple Myeloma typically occurs in bone marrow with the most activity, which is the marrow in the spine, pelvic bones, ribs, and area of the shoulders and hips. In addition, groups of myeloma cells cause other cells in the bone marrow to remove the solid part of the bone and cause osteolytic lesions, or soft spots in the bone, resulting in weakened bones and increasing the risk of fractures. Although common, these lesions or other signs of bone loss do not occur in all patients with myeloma.
In addition, groups of myeloma cells cause other cells in the bone marrow to remove the solid part of the bone and cause osteolytic lesions, or soft spots in the bone, resulting in weakened bones and increasing the risk of fractures. Although common, these lesions or other signs of bone loss do not occur in all patients with multiple myeloma.
Learn More about Multiple Myeloma Here
VA wants all veterans exposed to Agent Orange to apply for benefits
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The first U.S. combat troops arrived in Vietnam in March of 1965.
More than 58,000 Americans died in the Vietnam conflict. Many who survived are fighting diseases the U.S. government now recognizes were caused by a very powerful toxic chemical used in the jungle war zone.
Since 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized a list of diseases, cancers and illnesses caused by the chemical Agent Orange. The VA is now making a renewed push to ensure everyone knows about the benefits available to veterans sickened by Agent Orange.
A variety of illnesses are on the list, including, but not limited to: Type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, chronic B-cell leukemia, Hodgkin’s diseases, non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease and Ischemic heart disease.
Many Vietnam veterans aren’t aware of the Agent Orange presumptive diseases. Furthermore, some veterans choose not to go to the VA for their treatment or some veterans have never thought to apply. Yet other veterans aren’t sure how to apply.
Claiming a disability from exposure to Agent Orange is an expedited claims process since the illnesses are “presumed” to be connected to Agent Orange exposure, meaning Vietnam veterans don’t have to prove an association between their medical problems and their military service as it relates to exposure to Agent Orange.
Any veteran or family member who might fit any of these categories should call the Rowan County Veteran Service Office at 704-216-8138.
More Agent Orange Exposure Potentially Revealed
Marine Corps veteran Lt. Col. Kris Roberts is the first veteran known to have won compensation for exposure to Agent Orange while stationed at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, and now he is urging the military to come clean about what really happened at the air base.
For the first time in VA compensation history, the U.S. government has awarded compensation to the ailing former marine at the center of allegations that the defoliant Agent Orange was dumped on Futenma Air Base in Okinawa.
On Aug. 10, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals ruled that Roberts, chief of maintenance at the installation in Okinawa in the early 1980s, had developed prostate cancer due to “exposure to hazardous chemicals.” The presiding judge based the decision on evidence including medical reports, buddy statements and “photographs of barrels being removed from the ground.”
According to publicly available Department of Veterans’ Affairs records, more than 200 U.S. vets believe they were poisoned by Agent Orange while serving in Okinawa. Their sicknesses include multiple myeloma, Parkinson’s disease and peripheral neuropathy — illnesses for which the Department of Veterans’ Affairs compensates Americans exposed to defoliants in Vietnam, some areas of Thailand and the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas.
Any military member stationed at MCAS Futenma, and who later developed any of the presumptive illnesses, should contact the Rowan County Veteran Service Office at 704-216-8138.
The presumptive illnesses are listed below.
AL Amyloidosis — A rare disease caused when an abnormal protein, amyloid, enters tissues or organs.
Chronic B-cell Leukemias — A type of cancer which affects white blood cells.
Chloracne(or similar acneform disease) — A skin condition that occurs soon after exposure to chemicals and looks like common forms of acne seen in teenagers. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides.
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 — A disease characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body’s inability to respond properly to the hormone insulin.
Hodgkin’s Disease — A malignant lymphoma (cancer) characterized by progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and by progressive anemia.
Ischemic Heart Disease — A disease characterized by a reduced supply of blood to the heart, that leads to chest pain.
Multiple Myeloma — A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in bone marrow.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — A group of cancers that affect the lymph glands and other lymphatic tissue
Parkinson’s Disease — A progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects muscle movement
Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset — A nervous system condition that causes numbness, tingling, and motor weakness. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of herbicide exposure.
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda — A disorder characterized by liver dysfunction and by thinning and blistering of the skin in sun-exposed areas. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides.
Prostate Cancer — Cancer of the prostate; one of the most common cancers among men.
Respiratory Cancers(includes lung cancer) — Cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas(other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or mesothelioma) — A group of different types of cancers in body tissues such as muscle, fat, blood and lymph vessels, and connective tissues.
- See more at: http://www.salisburypost.com/2015/08/24/va-wants-all-veterans-exposed-to-agent-orange-to-apply-for-benefits/#sthash.JVZxvJ5d.dpuf
More than 58,000 Americans died in the Vietnam conflict. Many who survived are fighting diseases the U.S. government now recognizes were caused by a very powerful toxic chemical used in the jungle war zone.
Since 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized a list of diseases, cancers and illnesses caused by the chemical Agent Orange. The VA is now making a renewed push to ensure everyone knows about the benefits available to veterans sickened by Agent Orange.
A variety of illnesses are on the list, including, but not limited to: Type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, chronic B-cell leukemia, Hodgkin’s diseases, non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease and Ischemic heart disease.
Many Vietnam veterans aren’t aware of the Agent Orange presumptive diseases. Furthermore, some veterans choose not to go to the VA for their treatment or some veterans have never thought to apply. Yet other veterans aren’t sure how to apply.
Claiming a disability from exposure to Agent Orange is an expedited claims process since the illnesses are “presumed” to be connected to Agent Orange exposure, meaning Vietnam veterans don’t have to prove an association between their medical problems and their military service as it relates to exposure to Agent Orange.
Any veteran or family member who might fit any of these categories should call the Rowan County Veteran Service Office at 704-216-8138.
More Agent Orange Exposure Potentially Revealed
Marine Corps veteran Lt. Col. Kris Roberts is the first veteran known to have won compensation for exposure to Agent Orange while stationed at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, and now he is urging the military to come clean about what really happened at the air base.
For the first time in VA compensation history, the U.S. government has awarded compensation to the ailing former marine at the center of allegations that the defoliant Agent Orange was dumped on Futenma Air Base in Okinawa.
On Aug. 10, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals ruled that Roberts, chief of maintenance at the installation in Okinawa in the early 1980s, had developed prostate cancer due to “exposure to hazardous chemicals.” The presiding judge based the decision on evidence including medical reports, buddy statements and “photographs of barrels being removed from the ground.”
According to publicly available Department of Veterans’ Affairs records, more than 200 U.S. vets believe they were poisoned by Agent Orange while serving in Okinawa. Their sicknesses include multiple myeloma, Parkinson’s disease and peripheral neuropathy — illnesses for which the Department of Veterans’ Affairs compensates Americans exposed to defoliants in Vietnam, some areas of Thailand and the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas.
Any military member stationed at MCAS Futenma, and who later developed any of the presumptive illnesses, should contact the Rowan County Veteran Service Office at 704-216-8138.
The presumptive illnesses are listed below.
AL Amyloidosis — A rare disease caused when an abnormal protein, amyloid, enters tissues or organs.
Chronic B-cell Leukemias — A type of cancer which affects white blood cells.
Chloracne(or similar acneform disease) — A skin condition that occurs soon after exposure to chemicals and looks like common forms of acne seen in teenagers. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides.
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 — A disease characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body’s inability to respond properly to the hormone insulin.
Hodgkin’s Disease — A malignant lymphoma (cancer) characterized by progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and by progressive anemia.
Ischemic Heart Disease — A disease characterized by a reduced supply of blood to the heart, that leads to chest pain.
Multiple Myeloma — A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in bone marrow.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — A group of cancers that affect the lymph glands and other lymphatic tissue
Parkinson’s Disease — A progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects muscle movement
Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset — A nervous system condition that causes numbness, tingling, and motor weakness. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of herbicide exposure.
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda — A disorder characterized by liver dysfunction and by thinning and blistering of the skin in sun-exposed areas. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides.
Prostate Cancer — Cancer of the prostate; one of the most common cancers among men.
Respiratory Cancers(includes lung cancer) — Cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas(other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or mesothelioma) — A group of different types of cancers in body tissues such as muscle, fat, blood and lymph vessels, and connective tissues.
- See more at: http://www.salisburypost.com/2015/08/24/va-wants-all-veterans-exposed-to-agent-orange-to-apply-for-benefits/#sthash.JVZxvJ5d.dpuf
Saturday, August 29, 2015
August at the Beach
I spent a few weeks in PCB by myself. No visitors, no Dominic. *pouting*
I don't eat out by myself, so ordered pizzas and cooked in the condo. Would run across the street for a couple of beers during Happy Hour at The LIQ.
Now that we have high speed internet, I've become addicted to Netflix. That's basically how I spent my evenings.
Dom doesn't really enjoy hanging out at the beach anymore. It's hot. He sits under an umbrella. It just doesn't turn him on any longer.
Thankfully, he encourages me to use it- often. (Think he's trying to tell me something?) *grinning*
So.... no "people pictures" this time around. Just swarms of fish, sunsets and clouds.
Heading back on Friday. Cajun pal, Vickie is flying in from Lafayette for a week. Yippee!
I don't eat out by myself, so ordered pizzas and cooked in the condo. Would run across the street for a couple of beers during Happy Hour at The LIQ.
Now that we have high speed internet, I've become addicted to Netflix. That's basically how I spent my evenings.
Dom doesn't really enjoy hanging out at the beach anymore. It's hot. He sits under an umbrella. It just doesn't turn him on any longer.
Thankfully, he encourages me to use it- often. (Think he's trying to tell me something?) *grinning*
So.... no "people pictures" this time around. Just swarms of fish, sunsets and clouds.
Heading back on Friday. Cajun pal, Vickie is flying in from Lafayette for a week. Yippee!
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