Study on Cancer in Vietnam Veterans

Official: Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act

IntroducedJanuary 21, 2025

Why This Matters

This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study liver fluke cancer rates among Vietnam veterans and report the findings to Congress.

If you are a Vietnam veteran, this bill could lead to better understanding and treatment of a serious cancer linked to your service.

Affects: This bill affects Vietnam veterans who may be at risk for cholangiocarcinoma due to their service.

Summary

Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct an epidemiological study and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era. The study must identify the rate of incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in such veterans and in U.S. residents. The bill also requires the VA to track and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma using the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry. Additionally, the VA must periodically submit follow-up reports to Congress regarding the epidemiological study and information collected from the cancer registry regarding the prevalence of bile duct cancer.

What changes is this bill making?

1. The bill requires a study on liver fluke cancer in veterans who served in Vietnam. 2. It will compare cancer rates between Vietnam veterans and the general U.S. population. 3. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must report findings and recommendations to Congress. 4. The study will track cancer prevalence over time to inform future healthcare decisions.

Who is affected?

This bill affects Vietnam veterans who may be at risk for cholangiocarcinoma due to their service.