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. 1d ago

    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 If you are a veteran experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

  2. Oct 1

    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

  3. Sep 15

    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 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 Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network: https://veterancancernetwork.org Veteran Cancer Talk is presented by Veteran Cancer Network.

  4. Sep 9

    252 Veterans a Day: The Cancer Crisis We Need to Talk About

    252 veterans a day. That’s what 92,166 veteran cancer deaths in 2023 breaks down to and it’s a number that deserves a much bigger conversation. In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Casey Kroner digs into a chart from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report showing the 15 leading causes of death among veterans in 2023. Cancer ranked second, behind heart disease, with 92,166 veteran deaths. That works out to approximately: 252 veterans per day. 10 veterans per hour. 1 veteran about every 6 minutes. Casey discusses why finding these numbers hit him so hard as a veteran and cancer survivor, the need for better veteran cancer data and reporting, the importance of veterans identifying their military service within civilian healthcare, toxic and environmental exposure, earlier detection, funding priorities, and why more people need to start talking about veteran cancer. He also introduces an idea currently being called “The 252 Movement”—an effort to turn this statistic into a larger conversation about veteran cancer awareness, prevention, earlier detection, research, resources, and advocacy. This episode isn't about comparing one veteran health crisis against another. It's about recognizing the scale of cancer in the veteran community and asking a simple question: What are we going to do about it? If you're a veteran, caregiver, family member, healthcare professional, researcher, advocate, or someone with knowledge or resources related to veteran cancer, we want to hear from you. Visit VeteranCancerNetwork.org and connect with Veteran Cancer Network through the podcast page. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report — Part 2: Report Findings, using 2023 mortality data.

  5. Sep 1

    Caregivers Need Support Too: Navigating Cancer, Burnout & Asking for Help

    When cancer enters a family, the caregiver’s life changes too. In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Ashton Kroner sits down with Jennifer Schwarz, Vice President and co-owner of Senior Helpers West Jacksonville, to talk about the realities of caregiving, asking for help, caregiver burnout, and finding the right support system. Jennifer brings more than a decade of experience helping families remain safe and supported at home, along with personal experience as a caregiver herself and deep connections to the veteran community. Together, Ashton and Jennifer discuss: • What caregiver burnout can look like before it becomes overwhelming • Why asking for help can be especially difficult for veterans • Practical ways caregivers can reduce their daily workload • In-home caregiving and respite support • VA homemaker, home health aide, and respite care options • Organizing appointments after a cancer diagnosis • The importance of peer-to-peer support • Mental health and emotional support for caregivers • What palliative care really means—and why it does not automatically mean end-of-life care • Navigating remission and scan anxiety • How families, nonprofits, healthcare teams, and community organizations can better support caregivers Jennifer also shares one of the most important reminders for anyone stepping into the caregiver role for the first time: be patient with yourself, give yourself grace, identify your resources, and lean on the people and organizations willing to help. Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network and our veteran cancer peer support programs at: VeteranCancerNetwork.org Learn more about Senior Helpers at SeniorHelpers.com and search for the West Jacksonville location. Veteran Cancer Talk is presented by Veteran Cancer Network. Earlier Answers. Stronger Futures.

  6. Aug 15

    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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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

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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
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Casey & Ashton Kroner
  • Show Website
    Veteran Cancer Talk