Veterans with Cancer Inc. - Who Are We?

We are a small group of veterans who share a common bond - our service-related cancer. We have come together to share information on our individual journeys and hopefully help others in the process to navigate the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) somewhat bureaucratic processes. One of main goals is to persuade VAC to make the process easier for veterans by recognizing Carbon Tetrachloride as a known cause of cancer for many veterans. This is why it's important for you to sign our register so we can show the ministry that Carbon Tetrachloride related cancer is not isolated to a few disgruntled veterans.

Advocating for Process Changes on Behalf of all Veterans while ...
Raising Awareness That Veterans Cancers May be Service-Related

 

Chemical Exposure: A Hidden Injury

Unlike physical injuries sustained during deployment, exposure to carcinogenic chemicals may not show symptoms immediately. A veteran who was exposed to toxic substances while in uniform might not experience the effects of that exposure until many years later. In some cases, the link between cancer and military service is not immediately obvious, especially when the onset of cancer occurs long after the exposure.

Veterans who sustained a physical injury, such as a back injury from a fall, can usually trace the cause of their injury directly to a specific event. However, with chemical exposure, the long delay between exposure and the appearance of cancer often obscures the connection to military service. Moreover, because chemical-related injuries have many equivalents in the civilian population, it can be harder for veterans to recognize that their cancer may have been caused by the same chemicals they were exposed to while in the military.

 

 

 

 


 

Randy Hladun - President & CEO

Randy Hladun Calgary AB

Read my Biography

Carbon Tetrachloride in the C & E Branch

I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016. I thought I was one of the statistics of 1- 7 males will develop prostate cancer. In lifelong friendships of others in my trade, I learned of others with cancer. Then my cancer spread and I am now terminal with Stage 4 cancer.

I applied for VIP and AA and was notified by the VAC nurse that I should apply for disability, as there are others. So that began my quest. With the help of other Vets I submitted an application and was promptly denied. I was labeled Red Zone due to my terminal condition.

With my application, my oncologist outright and abruptly stated he will not risk his reputation by providing a letter stating CTC caused my cancer. I researched on the CANLii database and read over every one of the 55+ plus appeals registered with the VRAB. Almost each one was denied again because specialists reports were deemed not credible because no doctor will state with 100% certainty what caused their cancers.

The BPA assistant even stated I might not get an advocate assigned without doctor letters. So, me and those helping me, contacted doctors mentioned in the VRAB appeals and found one who would write a report using the suggested verbiage provided by the BPA. I was then approved at appeal, after "Doctor Shopping". How unfair is that? Here I am, fatigued beyond belief, dying of cancer, spouse all upset, and I'm attempting to prove my case by contacting doctors who don't know me.

So, with the expertise of a veteran with cancer, this website was constructed. We encourage others to share their stories. We don't have any conflict with VAC. We believe they need to look at the PACT Act in the US and make improvements.


Donald MacPhail - Director

Donald MacPhail Dartmouth, NS

Read my Biography

Carbon Tetrachloride in the Communications & Electronics Branch

When I was a young soldier I used to see the old guys get teased when they were scheduled to go for their over 40 medical appointments. I really didn't pay much attention at the time but I soon understood the importance of it when I became one of the old guys.

During my years of service as a Terminal Equipment Technician in the Communications & Electronics Branch I was routinely exposed to Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC). It was used as a cleaning agent to maintain the Electro-Mechanical telephone switching equipment that was located in secure buildings or underground bunkers. There was very poor ventilation in these locations and little to no protective gear provided.

I continued with annual medicals after retiring from the Canadian Forces and in 2021 my PSA started to creep upwards. My family Dr referred me to an Urologist who performed a biopsy which showed 6 out of 12 samples were positive for prostate cancer. Three months later I started treatment which consisted of 20 sessions of External Beam Radiation along with 18 months of Hormone Therapy.

In November 2023 with the support of a fellow Veteran I submitted my disability claim to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and started the task of getting medical professionals to support my claim. I also had to find someone who would provide a witness statement to say I was exposed to CTC during my military service. I was able to get a letter of support from the Radiation Oncologist along with a witness statement which was submitted to VAC to support my claim.

On 15 Feb., 2024 my disability claim was still stuck at "waiting to be assigned to a decision maker" stage of the VAC disability claim process. Due to the recent precedent of a successful appeal I believe I have a good chance to have a positive outcome with my initial claim and a VAC case worker told me that I have provided a lot of good medical evidence to support my case.

I recently applied for the Veterans Independence Program (VIP) and after a nurse's assessment and telephone interview I was approved for the program.

On 31 July 2024 I received more Good News!  My claim was approved and I was granted an award for my Prostate Cancer due to exposure to Carbon Tetracholoride.

Veterans with Cancer is making a difference! I'm very hopeful that together we will continue to impact VAC. They are starting to accept that CTC is a known carcinogen and in the future Veterans will no longer have to jump through hoops to try and find a medical specialist to support their disability claims for cancer.

 

Jim Hutton  - Director

Jim Hutton Owen Sound, ON

Read my Biography

Carbon Tetrachloride in HMC Ships

I spent the first seven (7) years of my 30 year career in the Navy as a Fire-Control Technician where I helped to maintain the ships aircraft tracking radar and analog computer that calculated the lead angle for the 3”50 twin gun mount.

There really weren’t very many safety precautions at the time. I spent many hours in the gun mount using a sound-powered headset for communication which provided no hearing protection. I recall my ears ringing for days after 4-5 hours in the gun during bombardments. As a result I have a hearing disability pension from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). During this period I was exposed to several cancer causing chemicals.

 I recall a monthly Planned Maintenance Routine that required the removal of all vacuum tube modules from 24 drawers of the computer. All of the contacts had to be washed with Carbon Tetrachloride – it was quite messy. I recall getting high from the fumes and having stomach cramps the following day. However, I never complained to Sick Bay at the time which was a mistake. In denying my claim they pointed out that there was no record of my exposure.  I believe it was my exposure to Carbon Tetrachloride that caused my Prostate Cancer. You can read about all of the hazards on RCN Ships between 1960 and 1990 along with a short video on the shipboard environment - Tap or Click Here - Shipboard Environmental Hazards.

When I retired in 1997 my PSA was high and continued to elevate over the years. A biopsy confirmed that I had Prostate Cancer. At the time I was given three choices: 1. radiation seeds placed in the prostate; 2. beamed radiation aimed to reduce the size of the tumor, or 3. a radical prostatectomy. Each option came with its own side effects with the third option having the most side effects which included incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

I opted for option 3 because it was the only sure way of getting all of the cancer. I also chose the robotic surgery because it had the shortest recovery and had the best chance of getting all of the cancer cells. It turned out to be a good decision because my tumor was quite large. I covered 60% of my prostate. So the surgeon, who controls the robot using a large 3D monitor, could identify all of the cancerous tissue and remove it.

Although this option came with the worst side effects It has the best probability that the cancer won't return. As my wife tells me the side effects are a small price to pay for having me around.