Veteran Cancer Talk

Casey & Ashton Kroner
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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 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.

  1. 4d ago

    Doctors Gave Him 3–4 Years. Five Years Later, He’s Still Here!

    Marine Corps veteran Matt Howard knew something didn’t feel right, but like many veterans, he put off going to the doctor. Eventually, a trip to the ER revealed stage 4 prostate cancer that had already spread beyond his prostate. Doctors gave Matt roughly a 30% chance of surviving three to four years. Five years later, he’s still here. In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Ashton sits down with Matt to talk about his cancer diagnosis, treatment, the importance of his wife and support system, mental health, finding purpose after diagnosis, and the mindset that helped carry him through some of his hardest days. Matt calls it being a “cheerful warrior” and making every day matter. They also discuss military exposures, veteran cancer risk, the importance of earlier detection, and why veterans shouldn’t wait until something is seriously wrong to start paying attention to their health. This is a conversation about cancer—but even more, it’s about what you choose to do with the days you have. Veteran Cancer Talk is presented by the Veteran Cancer Network. Earlier Answers. Stronger Futures.

  2. Aug 5

    How Veterans Can Stay Financially Stable During Cancer Treatment

    Cancer treatment can affect more than your health. It can also impact your ability to work, pay bills, and stay financially stable. In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Casey explains how veterans with active service - connected cancer may qualify for a temporary 100% VA disability evaluation during treatment. He also discusses what may happen when treatment ends, how VA reevaluations work, and why veterans should document lasting side effects and secondary conditions as early as possible. Topics include: • Temporary 100% VA disability during active cancer treatment • Preparing for a future VA reevaluation • Filing claims for secondary conditions and treatment residuals • Documenting neuropathy, fatigue, brain fog, kidney damage, sexual dysfunction, and other lasting effects • Getting help from a Veterans Service Officer or VA-accredited representative The temporary 100% evaluation may help during treatment, but preparing before treatment ends can make a major difference afterward. Visit VeteranCancerNetwork.org to access our VA Quick Start Guide and other resources for veterans and families facing cancer. This episode is based on personal experience and is for general educational purposes only. It is not legal, medical, or financial advice.

  3. Aug 1

    Veteran Help Exists - So Why Is It So Hard to Find?

    Veterans are constantly told that help is available - but finding the right resource can be overwhelming, confusing, and full of dead ends. Ashton sits down with Army veteran Daniel O’Dell, founder and CEO of MFV Resources. After struggling to find support during his own transition out of the military, Daniel created a free national directory to help service members, veterans, and military families find verified resources by state and category. Daniel explains how MFV Resources evaluates organizations and connects people with support for transportation, housing, employment, entrepreneurship, recreation, serious illness, caregiving, and more. They also discuss why veterans shouldn’t give up after hitting a dead end and several valuable programs many families may not know exist. Find resources and learn more at MFVresources.com

  4. Jul 31

    3 Ideas That Could Change Veteran Healthcare

    The 3 Changes That Could Save Veterans' Lives What if three simple changes could help improve healthcare for millions of military members and veterans? In this solo episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Casey Kroner, Marine Corps veteran, testicular cancer survivor, and co-founder of Veteran Cancer Network, shares the three ideas driving the organization's mission. In this episode, Casey discusses: Why Veteran Cancer Network believes cancer should be looked for earlier in military members and veterans. Why every healthcare provider should ask one simple question: "Have you ever served in the military?" How better communication between the VA and civilian healthcare, combined with responsible use of AI, could help identify health problems earlier and improve care. This isn't about blaming the healthcare system. It's about starting a conversation on how we can improve outcomes for those who served. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, caregiver, healthcare professional, policymaker, or simply someone who wants to see better healthcare, this episode explains the vision behind Veteran Cancer Network and why these conversations matter. Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network: https://veterancancernetwork.org If this episode resonates with you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who cares about improving veteran healthcare. Every conversation helps move this mission forward.

  5. Jul 15

    When Your Doctor Doesn't Listen. A Marine Veteran's Fight for Answers.

    What happens when you know something is wrong with your body—but no one listens? In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Ashton sits down with Lacey Pritchard, a United States Marine Corps veteran living with Stage IV colon cancer. After years of abdominal pain, back pain, night sweats, and other warning signs, her symptoms were repeatedly explained away. It wasn't until a doctor finally ordered a CT scan that she received the diagnosis that changed her life. Lacey shares her journey through chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and the daily realities of living with metastatic cancer. She also talks about the importance of advocating for yourself, why veterans should never ignore symptoms that don't feel right, and how the military culture of "pushing through the pain" can sometimes come at a devastating cost. In this episode, you'll hear about: Living with Stage IV colon cancerThe danger of dismissed symptomsWhy listening to your body mattersCancer screening and early detectionMilitary exposures and long-term healthThe emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis, including being "ghosted" by friendsFinding hope through family, community, and fellow veteransLacey's story is honest, emotional, and filled with resilience. Her message is one every veteran—and every family member—needs to hear: You know your body better than anyone else. If something doesn't feel right, keep advocating until someone listens. Support the show Support Veteran Cancer Network If you believe every veteran deserves earlier answers and better cancer care, please consider supporting our mission. Your donation helps Veteran Cancer Network continue providing education, advocacy, peer support, and resources for veterans and their families while we work to improve cancer screening and awareness across the veteran community. ❤️ Support our mission: https://givebutter.com/VeteranCancerNetwork To learn more about Veteran Cancer Network, visit www.veterancancernetwork.org. If this episode impacted you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear Lacey's story. Together, we can make sure no veteran fights cancer alone.

  6. Jul 1

    SURVIVED IRAQ. GOT CANCER YEARS LATER

    Army veteran Thomas Firak thought he was healthy. Then a routine blood test revealed something that couldn't be ignored. In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Thomas shares his journey from serving in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom to being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer linked to burn pit exposure and other toxic exposures veterans may face during service. Thomas opens up about the early warning signs, being anemic for years before diagnosis, undergoing a stem cell transplant, CAR-T therapy, and the physical and emotional challenges that came with treatment. He also discusses the importance of filing VA disability claims, keeping military records, and advocating for your own health. This conversation is filled with practical advice, hope, and hard-earned lessons for veterans, caregivers, and anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. Topics discussed:  • Iraq deployment and burn pit exposure  • Multiple myeloma symptoms and diagnosis  • Stem cell transplant experience  • CAR-T therapy and side effects  • VA disability claims and the PACT Act  • Mental health during cancer treatment  • Support systems for veterans and caregivers  • Why early detection matters If you're a veteran experiencing unexplained symptoms, don't ignore them. Early action can make all the difference. Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network:  Veteran Cancer Network.org If you believe every veteran deserves earlier answers and better cancer care, please consider supporting our mission. Your donation helps Veteran Cancer Network continue providing education, advocacy, peer support, and resources for veterans and their families while we work to improve cancer screening and awareness across the veteran community. Support our mission: https://givebutter.com/VeteranCancerNetwork To learn more about Veteran Cancer Network, visit www.veterancancernetwork.org. If this episode impacted you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear Lacey's story. Together, we can make sure no veteran fights cancer alone.

  7. Jun 15

    Cancer-Free But Still Struggling?

    Cancer treatment may end, but for many survivors, the challenges continue long after they hear the words "cancer free." In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Ashton and Casey sit down with men's pelvic health physical therapist Matt Johnston to discuss an often-overlooked part of cancer survivorship. From urinary leakage and pelvic floor dysfunction to sexual health concerns and loss of confidence, many men struggle with side effects they never expected and rarely talk about. Matt explains why these issues are more common than most people realize, how physical therapy can help, and why no survivor should feel embarrassed to seek support. The conversation also explores the role of exercise during and after cancer treatment, how movement can improve recovery and quality of life, and why so many men suffer in silence instead of asking for help. Whether you're a prostate cancer survivor, caregiver, veteran, or healthcare professional, this episode offers practical advice, hope, and a reminder that survivorship is about more than simply beating cancer. Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network at VeteranCancerNetwork.org. Support the show Support Veteran Cancer Network If you believe every veteran deserves earlier answers and better cancer care, please consider supporting our mission. Your donation helps Veteran Cancer Network continue providing education, advocacy, peer support, and resources for veterans and their families while we work to improve cancer screening and awareness across the veteran community. ❤️ Support our mission: https://givebutter.com/VeteranCancerNetwork To learn more about Veteran Cancer Network, visit www.veterancancernetwork.org. If this episode impacted you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear Lacey's story. Together, we can make sure no veteran fights cancer alone.

  8. Jun 1

    The VA Said Ulcer. It Was Cancer. - Matt Roll's Multiple Myeloma Story

    Send us Fan Mail Army veteran Matt Roll spent more than a year searching for answers after persistent pain was repeatedly dismissed as an ulcer. Trusting his instincts ultimately led to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma at just 41 years old. In this episode, Matt joins Veteran Cancer Talk to discuss his military service, concerns about toxic exposures, the road to diagnosis, undergoing a stem cell transplant, and what life looks like today while living with cancer in remission. Matt also shares the critical role his wife and family played throughout treatment, the importance of advocating for yourself when something feels wrong, and why veterans need to pay attention to changes in their health. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, family, survivorship, and the reality many veterans face when navigating cancer. If something doesn't feel right, keep pushing for answers. You are your own best advocate. Support the show Support Veteran Cancer Network If you believe every veteran deserves earlier answers and better cancer care, please consider supporting our mission. Your donation helps Veteran Cancer Network continue providing education, advocacy, peer support, and resources for veterans and their families while we work to improve cancer screening and awareness across the veteran community. ❤️ Support our mission: https://givebutter.com/VeteranCancerNetwork To learn more about Veteran Cancer Network, visit www.veterancancernetwork.org. If this episode impacted you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear Lacey's story. Together, we can make sure no veteran fights cancer alone.

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About

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 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Casey & Ashton Kroner
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Casey & Ashton Kroner
  • Show Website
    Veteran Cancer Talk