VA Lung Cancer Screening: What Veterans Need to Know About Early Detection
Sun Dec 21 2025
Lung cancer screening is one of the simplest tools available in cancer care, yet it remains widely underused. A low-dose CT scan takes just a few minutes and can detect lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.
Jim Pantelas is a Navy Veteran and a 20 plus year lung cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer at age 52, back when lung cancer screening was not available. Today, he is joining Dr. Drew Moghanaki, a thoracic oncology leader and VA physician, to deliver a clear message to Veterans and anyone with a smoking history.
Get screened. Every year.
Key Topics Discussed:
How lung cancer can grow with no symptoms until it is advanced
Why Veterans may face higher risk from airborne hazards and toxic exposures
What screening is like and why it takes less than three minutes
Why annual screening matters, not just one scan
How early detection expands treatment options and improves outcomes
How to access screening through the VA or through civilian healthcare
Why screening is covered and cost should not stop you
Featured Guests:
Jim Pantelas, Navy Veteran, 20 plus Year Lung Cancer Survivor
Dr. Drew Moghanaki, UCLA and VA Thoracic Oncology Leader
Key Takeaway:
Lung cancer is curable when caught early. If you are eligible, start screening at 50 and go every year.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
PACT Act Benefits and Eligibility: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
VA Lung Cancer Screening: https://www.prevention.va.gov/preventing_diseases/screening_for_lung_cancer.asp
Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Registry: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp
LCFA Screening Information: https://lcfamerica.org/about-lung-cancer/detection/screening/
Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video
Hashtags:
#LungCancer #VeteransHealth #CancerScreening #EarlyDetection #VAHealthcare #PACTAct #HopeWithAnswers #LCFA
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Lung cancer screening is one of the simplest tools available in cancer care, yet it remains widely underused. A low-dose CT scan takes just a few minutes and can detect lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. Jim Pantelas is a Navy Veteran and a 20 plus year lung cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer at age 52, back when lung cancer screening was not available. Today, he is joining Dr. Drew Moghanaki, a thoracic oncology leader and VA physician, to deliver a clear message to Veterans and anyone with a smoking history. Get screened. Every year. Key Topics Discussed: How lung cancer can grow with no symptoms until it is advanced Why Veterans may face higher risk from airborne hazards and toxic exposures What screening is like and why it takes less than three minutes Why annual screening matters, not just one scan How early detection expands treatment options and improves outcomes How to access screening through the VA or through civilian healthcare Why screening is covered and cost should not stop you Featured Guests: Jim Pantelas, Navy Veteran, 20 plus Year Lung Cancer Survivor Dr. Drew Moghanaki, UCLA and VA Thoracic Oncology Leader Key Takeaway: Lung cancer is curable when caught early. If you are eligible, start screening at 50 and go every year. Resources mentioned in this episode: PACT Act Benefits and Eligibility: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ VA Lung Cancer Screening: https://www.prevention.va.gov/preventing_diseases/screening_for_lung_cancer.asp Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Registry: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp LCFA Screening Information: https://lcfamerica.org/about-lung-cancer/detection/screening/ Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video Hashtags: #LungCancer #VeteransHealth #CancerScreening #EarlyDetection #VAHealthcare #PACTAct #HopeWithAnswers #LCFA