The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has launched a groundbreaking clinical trial called Sentinel, a nationwide effort focused on early cancer detection in U.S. military veterans. This includes veterans with mesothelioma and others exposed to asbestos during their service.
The goal is simple but powerful: to find cancer when it’s most treatable and give those who served our country a better chance at living longer.
“Veterans have sacrificed so much, and we owe it to them to explore every opportunity for early detection and prevention.”
– Dr. Geoffrey Oxnard, lead investigator for the Senintel study
Why Veterans Are at Risk of Cancers Like Mesothelioma
Veterans face unique health challenges long after their service ends. Studies show they are about 20% more likely to develop cancer than the general population.
One major reason is exposure to harmful substances during military service, such as asbestos, burn pit smoke, jet fuel, and other toxic chemicals. For many veterans, especially those who served in the U.S. Navy or worked around ships, asbestos exposure was almost unavoidable.
Asbestos was widely used in ship components like insulation and engines, as well as bases, vehicles, and planes, for decades. Veterans who breathed in or swallowed asbestos fibers could develop mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, 10 to 50 years later.
By the time mesothelioma and many other cancers are diagnosed, the disease has usually progressed. The Sentinel study aims to change that.
If you or a loved one served in the military and was later diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may qualify for significant VA benefits. Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide and learn how to access financial support and health care benefits now.
How the Sentinel Study Works
The Sentinel trial uses a simple blood test — called the GRAIL Galleri® multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test — to look for more than 50 different types of cancer.
The GRAIL Galleri MCED blood test detects tiny signals in the blood that may indicate cancer and can often suggest where in the body those signals are coming from.
Find out more about this clinical trial:
- 1,500 veterans are taking part in the study.
- Participants must be 45 or older, have 8+ years of active duty service, and have received VA care within the past 5 years.
- Screenings take place at Dana-Farber or Quest Diagnostics sites.
- Veterans who test positive will receive follow-up care from Dana-Farber physicians.
Even veterans who test negative will be followed for one year to make sure no early signs were missed. The Department of Defense is also partnering with Dana-Farber to compare outcomes and measure the test’s long-term benefits.
A Mission to Protect Those Who Served
For many veterans, especially those at risk of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, early detection could be life-changing. Dana-Farber’s Centers for Early Detection and Interception are leading the effort to focus on prevention and early diagnosis for those at higher risk.
“This research strives to give veterans a fighting chance by detecting cancer earlier,” said Chelsey Simoni, U.S. Army veteran and Chief Health Officer of the HunterSeven Foundation.
If successful, the Sentinel study could make this kind of advanced blood testing a standard tool for veterans everywhere. For older veterans who served decades ago, it may offer peace of mind and an opportunity to catch cancer before symptoms appear.
It’s a reminder that while the effects of asbestos exposure can last a lifetime, medical progress continues to bring new hope.
How Mesothelioma Hope Can Help
At Mesothelioma Hope, we’re committed to helping veterans and their families find the care and support they deserve. Our team can help you learn whether you qualify for the Sentinel study and connect you with trusted doctors and VA-accredited attorneys who specialize in proving asbestos exposure.
We can also help you access VA benefits, additional compensation, and free resources to guide you through every step of the process.
Call (866) 608-8933 or get your Free Veterans Compensation Guide today to take your first step toward help and hope.
