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Agent Orange Linked to Rare Bone Cancer in Vets
9 Dec
Summary
- Agent Orange exposure increases risk of myelodysplastic syndrome.
- Exposed individuals develop cancer earlier and more aggressively.
- Study could help veterans receive coverage for MDS treatment.
Recent research has established a definitive link between exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange and an increased risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a slow-progressing bone marrow cancer. This finding is particularly significant as it was previously unconfirmed due to a lack of organized data.
The study, which analyzed over 2,000 individuals with suspected or diagnosed MDS, found that those with a history of Agent Orange exposure were not only more prone to developing MDS but also typically did so at a younger age. Furthermore, they exhibited a higher likelihood of harmful genetic mutations contributing to the disease and more aggressive disease progression post-diagnosis.
These groundbreaking results are expected to aid veterans in obtaining necessary medical coverage for MDS. The research team plans further verification using national veteran databases, aiming to provide long-awaited validation and support for service members affected by this exposure.
