Agent Orange linked to rare blood cancer that develops over decades
By LINDA F. HERSEY STARS AND STRIPES •
December 9, 2025
An Army Huey helicopter sprays Agent Orange herbicide in this undated photo from the Vietnam War. Between 1962 and 1971, the U.S. military spread more than 19 million gallons of the herbicide over forests in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. (U.S. Army) WASHINGTON — Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange have a higher risk of developing a rare blood cancer that develops slowly over decades, according to a new study that for the first time links myelodysplastic syndrome to widespread use of the herbicide. Researchers say the breakthrough could help veterans with the syndrome access benefits and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Without medical evidence that affirms a connection between Agent Orange and MDS, patients with the syndrome have struggled to qualify for service-connected benefits, said Dr. Michael Sekeres, chief of hematology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami. Researchers at Sylvester conducted the eight-year study. About 20,000 new cases of MDS are identified in the U.S. each year. Patients typically are over age 70 at diagnosis.
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https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2025-12-09/agent-orange-rare-blood-cancer-20036999.htmlSource - Stars and Stripes
