Veteran Cancer Talk

Grew Up on Military Bases. Then She Got Cancer

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, Ashton speaks with Heather King — military brat, breast cancer survivor, doctoral candidate, and founder of Rooted Resilience — about the overlooked issue of toxic exposure and long-term health risks facing military families. Heather shares her experience growing up in military housing and later being diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 despite living a healthy lifestyle and staying proactive with screenings. Together, they discuss: *  Military family toxic exposure  *  Cancer and environmental exposure concerns  *  Healthcare gaps affecting military families  *  Early detection and advocacy  *  Holistic wellness during treatment  *  Caregiver support and burnout  *  Nutrition, inflammation, and recovery  This is a powerful conversation about the questions healthcare systems still are not asking military families. Learn more about Veteran Cancer Network:  www.VeteranCancerNetwork [https://veterancancernetwork.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com].org Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/support] Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

Stage 4 Cancer While Still Serving...

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/fan_mail/new] What happens when you’re still serving your country… and get diagnosed with stage 4 cancer? In this episode, we sit down with Ron and Kate Belany — a Navy family navigating life after a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. From early symptoms that were easy to dismiss… to a misdiagnosis… to starting treatment just weeks later — this conversation dives into what that journey really looks like. We also talk about: *  The moment everything changed  *  What treatment is actually like day-to-day  *  The role of the caregiver (and why it’s just as hard)  *  Military support systems that helped along the way  *  The mental battle behind cancer  *  And how perspective shifts when nothing is guaranteed  Ron’s mindset is simple: stay positive, stay present, and keep going. This is a real conversation about resilience, family, and fighting forward. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/support] Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

Two Veterans Talk Testicular Cancer (Unfiltered)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/fan_mail/new] This wasn’t planned. We just kept the mic rolling. After wrapping our conversation with Kevin Sloan, Casey jumped in and what followed turned into one of the most real conversations we’ve had yet. No script. No structure. Just two veterans who’ve both faced testicular cancer talking about what life actually looks like after. In this Side Mission episode, we get into: *  Life after losing one—or both—testicles  *  Low testosterone (Low T) and hormone replacement therapy  *  What recovery really feels like (the stuff no one tells you)  *  Chemo, fatigue, and long-term side effects  *  The fear of cancer coming back—and how it sticks with you  *  Navigating the VA and advocating for your own care  *  Why more men need to start talking about this  This is the conversation that usually happens off camera—but it’s the one more people need to hear. If you’ve been through cancer, know someone who has, or just want the real side of survivorship… this one hits different.  Full episodes: Veteran Cancer Talk  Learn more: www.veterancancernetwork.org  If something feels off get checked. Early detection saves lives. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/support] Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

Kevin Sloan | USMC Veteran & 2x Testicular Cancer Survivor on Early Detection, VA Care, and Self-Advocacy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/fan_mail/new] Most men don’t talk about it. That’s exactly why this conversation matters. In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, we sit down with Kevin Sloan, a Kevin Sloan a Marine Corps veteran and two-time testicular cancer survivor who shares what it’s really like to face cancer not once… but twice. From deploying to Kuwait and Iraq to navigating life after service, Kevin opens up about the moment everything changed when he found something that didn’t feel right and made the decision to get it checked. That decision likely saved his life.  We talk about: *  The early signs of testicular cancer most men ignore  *  Why self-checks and speaking up matter more than you think  *  His full treatment journey: surgery, chemotherapy, and long-term surveillance  *  The reality of navigating VA healthcare and community care options *  The mental side of cancer—and why support systems are critical  *  Gaps in screening, and why early detection needs to change for veterans Kevin also shares something many veterans struggle with—self-advocacy. When you’re told “you’re fine,” but something doesn’t feel right… what do you do? This conversation is honest, real, and something every man—and every family—needs to hear. Because here’s the truth:  - Early detection saves lives.  - Silence can cost them. Whether you’re a veteran, active duty, or someone who loves one. This episode could make a difference.  About the Guest Kevin Sloan is a Marine Corps veteran and two-time testicular cancer survivor dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging men—especially veterans—to take control of their health through early detection and advocacy.  Listen / Watch / Learn More  https://www.veterancancernetwork.org  Pedal for Impact → https://veterancancernetwork.org/pedal-for-impact/  Important Reminder If something feels off—get checked. Don’t wait. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/support] Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org

Diagnosed at 45 with Prostate Cancer With No Symptoms

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Veteran Cancer Talk, we sit down with Dave Diaz, a Navy, Army, and Army National Guard veteran who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at just 45 years old—with no symptoms. Dave shares how a routine blood test changed everything, leading to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and years of hormone therapy. But beyond the physical battle, this episode dives into something often overlooked—the mental and emotional toll cancer takes, especially for veterans. We talk about identity, isolation, and the moment Dave realized he couldn’t do it alone. That turning point led him to a support group that ultimately changed his life—and inspired him to lead The Reluctant Brotherhood, a nonprofit helping men navigate prostate cancer together. This is an honest, real conversation about what cancer actually looks like—and why community matters more than most people realize. Key Takeaways: • Cancer can exist with no symptoms—early testing matters • Family history and genetics play a major role • Treatment is more than physical—it impacts identity and mental health • Isolation can make the journey harder than it needs to be • Support groups can be life-changing • Caregivers need support too Connect with Dave & The Reluctant Brotherhood: https://thereluctantbrotherhood.org [https://thereluctantbrotherhood.org/] Veteran Cancer Network: https://www.veterancancernetwork.org [https://www.veterancancernetwork.org/] If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. No one should go through this alone. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570714/support] Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer. Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org