Therefore, many cases of Agent Orange exposure have been entered into Agent Orange Registries, but the cancer cases in this population at risk have not been captured into Cancer Registries. The VA cancer registries have these data only as of 1999. This should be corrected. There is also little data to determine whether there is a link between a diagnosis of lymphoma in someone who has served in Vietnam and second and third generation lymphoma cases. On behalf of the Lymphoma Research Foundation of America, I ask for your assistance with the Foundation s request for expansion of VA resources and increased funding of lymphoma research related to the development, diagnosis and treatment of the disease in Vietnam veterans.
Lymphoma is the second fastest growing cancer by rate of incidence.
We are currently making strides in the fight against cancer, as evidenced by the decline in some cancer rates. However, the State of California ranks number one in reported lymphoma cases in the nation. And yet, in the State of California where I have my residence, the State-funded Cancer Surveillance Program at the University of Southern California, does not have any data about cancer occurring in Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. This situation does not help our understanding of cancer and, in particular, the disabilities of those service men and women who fought for our country. Please seriously consider our request as we try to assist those who must face the challenge of fighting for their lives once again, only this time, the enemy is a deadly cancer known as lymphoma.