Jeff Slotnick, a Gulf War veteran and Army combat engineer, is advocating for better early detection of cancer among veterans exposed to toxic substances. After experiencing severe hiccups in March 2025, Slotnick was diagnosed with Stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, a bile duct cancer likely caused by toxins he encountered during his military service. Despite receiving regular screenings through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the PACT Act, his cancer went undetected until it reached an advanced stage.

Slotnick’s experience highlights a critical gap in the VA’s health care system, where veterans are not routinely screened for diseases linked to toxic exposures. As he undergoes chemotherapy, he emphasizes the need for earlier detection and better communication among medical providers to ensure veterans’ health histories are fully considered.

Slotnick, alongside his wife Nancy, who is also a veteran, remains optimistic despite the challenges. He urges fellow veterans to advocate for themselves by requesting screenings and sharing their military histories with all healthcare providers. His mission is to ensure others do not face late diagnoses like his, reflecting a broader call for systemic improvements in veteran healthcare.