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Mortality patterns among Vietnam veterans: a 24-year retrospective analysis
1Environmental Epidemiology Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C. 20036, USA.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Vietnam veterans experienced higher mortality rates from specific cancers and external causes. Army veterans showed increased laryngeal and lung cancer deaths, while Marines had elevated lung and skin cancer risks, alongside external causes like homicide.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Veterans Health
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The Vietnam War involved extensive military service for US Army and Marine Corps personnel.
- Understanding long-term health outcomes, including mortality, for Vietnam veterans is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies have indicated potential health risks associated with military service in Vietnam.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the mortality experience of US Army and Marine Corps Vietnam veterans with non-Vietnam veterans.
- To identify specific causes of death that were statistically elevated in Vietnam veterans.
- To investigate potential links between Vietnam service and increased cancer or external cause mortality.
Main Methods:
- A proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) analysis was conducted.
- The study included 33,833 deceased US Army and Marine Corps Vietnam veterans and 36,797 deceased non-Vietnam veterans.
- Mortality data were derived from death certificates, and military service information from personnel records.
Main Results:
- Army Vietnam veterans had significantly higher PMRs for laryngeal cancer (1.38) and lung cancer (1.08).
- Excess deaths from external causes were observed in Army veterans, including motor vehicle accidents (1.03) and accidental poisonings (1.17).
- Marine Vietnam veterans showed elevated PMRs for lung cancer (1.17) and skin cancer (1.33) compared to non-Vietnam veterans, along with increased external causes (1.06), accidental poisonings (1.19), and homicides (1.16).
Conclusions:
- Vietnam service, particularly for Army veterans, was associated with increased risks of specific cancers like laryngeal and lung cancer.
- Both Army and Marine Vietnam veterans exhibited higher mortality from external causes, including accidents and, for Marines, homicides.
- These findings highlight the importance of continued health surveillance for Vietnam veterans and may inform future veteran healthcare policies.