Veteran Cancer Talk

Casey Kroner
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Non-Profit

Veteran Cancer Talk is the official podcast of Veteran Cancer Network, sharing real conversations about cancer in the veteran community. Hosted by veterans and caregivers, the show features veteran survivors, caregivers, doctors, researchers, and advocates discussing early detection, treatment, recovery, and the unique challenges veterans face when navigating cancer. Through powerful personal stories and expert insight, Veteran Cancer Talk works to raise awareness, encourage screening, and connect veterans and their families with the resources and support they need. The mission is simple: educate, advocate, and ensure no veteran faces cancer alone.

  1. 1d ago

    SURVIVED IRAQ. GOT CANCER YEARS LATER

    Send us Fan Mail 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 Support the show Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

    53 min

  2. Jun 15

    Cancer-Free But Still Struggling?

    Send us Fan Mail 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 Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

    51 min

  3. 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 Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

    53 min

  4. May 15

    Grew Up on Military Bases. Then She Got Cancer

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Ashton speaks with Heather King — military brat, breast cancer survivor, doctoral candidate, and founder of Rooted Resilience — about the overlooked issue of toxic exposure and long-term health risks facing military families. Heather shares her experience growing up in military housing and later being diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 despite living a healthy lifestyle and staying proactive with screenings. Together, they discuss:  Military family toxic exposure  Cancer and environmental exposure concerns  Healthcare gaps affecting military families  Early detection and advocacy  Holistic wellness during treatment  Caregiver support and burnout  Nutrition, inflammation, and recovery This is a powerful conversation about the questions healthcare systems still are not asking military families. Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network:  www.VeteranCancerNetwork.org Support the show Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

    37 min

  5. May 2

    Stage 4 Cancer While Still Serving...

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when you’re still serving your country… and get diagnosed with stage 4 cancer? In this episode, we sit down with Ron and Kate Belany — a Navy family navigating life after a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. From early symptoms that were easy to dismiss… to a misdiagnosis… to starting treatment just weeks later — this conversation dives into what that journey really looks like. We also talk about:  The moment everything changed  What treatment is actually like day-to-day  The role of the caregiver (and why it’s just as hard)  Military support systems that helped along the way  The mental battle behind cancer  And how perspective shifts when nothing is guaranteed Ron’s mindset is simple: stay positive, stay present, and keep going. This is a real conversation about resilience, family, and fighting forward. Support the show Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

    50 min
  6. Two Veterans Talk Testicular Cancer (Unfiltered)

    Apr 17

    Two Veterans Talk Testicular Cancer (Unfiltered)

    Send us Fan Mail This wasn’t planned. We just kept the mic rolling. After wrapping our conversation with Kevin Sloan, Casey jumped in and what followed turned into one of the most real conversations we’ve had yet. No script. No structure. Just two veterans who’ve both faced testicular cancer talking about what life actually looks like after. In this Side Mission episode, we get into:  Life after losing one—or both—testicles  Low testosterone (Low T) and hormone replacement therapy  What recovery really feels like (the stuff no one tells you)  Chemo, fatigue, and long-term side effects  The fear of cancer coming back—and how it sticks with you  Navigating the VA and advocating for your own care  Why more men need to start talking about this This is the conversation that usually happens off camera—but it’s the one more people need to hear. If you’ve been through cancer, know someone who has, or just want the real side of survivorship… this one hits different.  Full episodes: Veteran Cancer Talk  Learn more: www.veterancancernetwork.org  If something feels off get checked. Early detection saves lives. Support the show Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

    48 min

  7. Apr 15

    Kevin Sloan | USMC Veteran & 2x Testicular Cancer Survivor on Early Detection, VA Care, and Self-Advocacy

    Send us Fan Mail Most men don’t talk about it. That’s exactly why this conversation matters. In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, we sit down with Kevin Sloan, a Kevin Sloan a Marine Corps veteran and two-time testicular cancer survivor who shares what it’s really like to face cancer not once… but twice. From deploying to Kuwait and Iraq to navigating life after service, Kevin opens up about the moment everything changed when he found something that didn’t feel right and made the decision to get it checked. That decision likely saved his life.  We talk about:  The early signs of testicular cancer most men ignore  Why self-checks and speaking up matter more than you think  His full treatment journey: surgery, chemotherapy, and long-term surveillance  The reality of navigating VA healthcare and community care options The mental side of cancer—and why support systems are critical  Gaps in screening, and why early detection needs to change for veteransKevin also shares something many veterans struggle with—self-advocacy. When you’re told “you’re fine,” but something doesn’t feel right… what do you do? This conversation is honest, real, and something every man—and every family—needs to hear. Because here’s the truth:  - Early detection saves lives.  - Silence can cost them. Whether you’re a veteran, active duty, or someone who loves one. This episode could make a difference.  About the Guest Kevin Sloan is a Marine Corps veteran and two-time testicular cancer survivor dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging men—especially veterans—to take control of their health through early detection and advocacy.  Listen / Watch / Learn More  https://www.veterancancernetwork.org  Pedal for Impact → https://veterancancernetwork.org/pedal-for-impact/  Important Reminder If something feels off—get checked. Don’t wait. Support the show Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

    36 min

  8. Apr 1

    Diagnosed at 45 with Prostate Cancer With No Symptoms

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, we sit down with Dave Diaz, a Navy, Army, and Army National Guard veteran who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at just 45 years old—with no symptoms. Dave shares how a routine blood test changed everything, leading to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and years of hormone therapy. But beyond the physical battle, this episode dives into something often overlooked—the mental and emotional toll cancer takes, especially for veterans. We talk about identity, isolation, and the moment Dave realized he couldn’t do it alone. That turning point led him to a support group that ultimately changed his life—and inspired him to lead The Reluctant Brotherhood, a nonprofit helping men navigate prostate cancer together. This is an honest, real conversation about what cancer actually looks like—and why community matters more than most people realize. Key Takeaways: • Cancer can exist with no symptoms—early testing matters • Family history and genetics play a major role • Treatment is more than physical—it impacts identity and mental health • Isolation can make the journey harder than it needs to be • Support groups can be life-changing • Caregivers need support too Connect with Dave & The Reluctant Brotherhood: https://thereluctantbrotherhood.org Veteran Cancer Network: https://www.veterancancernetwork.org If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. No one should go through this alone. Support the show Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

    31 min
See All (19)

About

Veteran Cancer Talk is the official podcast of Veteran Cancer Network, sharing real conversations about cancer in the veteran community. Hosted by veterans and caregivers, the show features veteran survivors, caregivers, doctors, researchers, and advocates discussing early detection, treatment, recovery, and the unique challenges veterans face when navigating cancer. Through powerful personal stories and expert insight, Veteran Cancer Talk works to raise awareness, encourage screening, and connect veterans and their families with the resources and support they need. The mission is simple: educate, advocate, and ensure no veteran faces cancer alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Casey Kroner
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Veteran Cancer Talk
  • Show Website
    Veteran Cancer Talk