From the Research
Agent Orange exposure is associated with several malignancies, including chronic B-cell leukemias, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, and soft tissue sarcomas, as well as acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Malignancies Associated with Agent Orange Exposure
The following malignancies have been linked to Agent Orange exposure:
- Chronic B-cell leukemias
- Hodgkin's disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Prostate cancer
- Respiratory cancers (including lung, bronchus, larynx, and trachea)
- Soft tissue sarcomas
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) 1
Evidence Supporting the Association
Studies have consistently shown that Agent Orange exposure increases the risk of developing these malignancies, with the most recent study published in 2022 1 providing strong evidence for the association between Agent Orange exposure and AML/MDS.
Importance of Medical Surveillance
Veterans exposed to Agent Orange during military service, particularly in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, may be eligible for VA disability benefits if diagnosed with these conditions, and ongoing medical surveillance is crucial for those with known exposure, as the latency period between exposure and cancer development can be decades 2, 3.