US Military Initiative

the need…

A disturbing rate of cancer deaths within the military and veteran community is beginning to emerge – the full scope of which remains unknown. Of the nearly four million service members who served following 9/11, at least half a million have been diagnosed with cancer while serving on active duty. The total number of veterans diagnosed with cancer is unknown. 73% of post-9/11 veterans utilize civilian healthcare, increasing the difficulty to assess trends holistically, including cancer rates. The entire breadth of the Special Operations community – Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Green Berets, Special Operations Aviation, PSYOPS/MISO, Civil Affairs, Air Force Special Operations, Marine Raiders, Navy EOD - appear to have significant rates of cancer in the active duty and veteran communities, but research and studies are not completed.

The problem of high cancer rates is recognized within the Special Operations community. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) hosted its first Cancer Symposium in December 2021 to develop a response in support of active-duty SOF members. Various SOF and military veteran support organizations (501c3s) have responded in multiple ways for the subset of the SOF community they represent. SOTERIA, in partnership with both active and retired SOF members, is committed to improving outcomes with the power of precision medicine.

Elevating the Status-Quo

SOTERIA has a focused operational team that has built an integrated network within genomics, oncology, and patient care. Over the past four years, the team has supported hundreds of patients, collaborating with nationally recognized clinical and scientific experts.

Based in San Diego, CA, SOTERIA is expanding its virtual platform, which combines traditional clinical data with a patient’s genomic profile, to generate a data-based approach to patient care navigation. SOTERIA delivers a better understanding and cohesiveness of a patient’s cancer journey, deviating from the antiquated “one drug fits all” approach. 

SOTERIA provides access to leading care with a personal touch, supporting patients at all stages of a cancer diagnosis across all cancer types. With the guidance of a dedicated nurse navigator, SOTERIA empowers patients by deploying its virtual Precision Program, facilitating molecular profiling and neutral expert engagement to inform testing, treatment, and trial selection wherever a patient is being treated.

This service model transcends brick-and-mortar institutions by addressing a fragmented industry, bridging the gap between scientific advancements and the clinic. SOTERIA manages the complexities of the patient journey to improve outcomes and quality of life. 

While the government has provided other medical resources for active-duty and veteran US Military Special Operation Forces in areas such as mental health, orthopedics, and gunshot wounds, there remains a gap within cancer, where it is challenging for military members to access patient navigation to inform their care. When patients have access to precision medicine, outcomes are improved substantially; "50% of patients respond to precision medicine, even with heavily pretreated disease".  Additionally, when combining precision medicine with patient navigation, studies have shown an increased response rate, as well as improved overall and progression-free survival in patients. (health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/Pages/2019-04-22-personalizing-precision-medicine-with-combo-therapies-improves-cancer-outcomes.aspx).

Service men and women have disproportionately higher rates of cancer, yet there is not a robust or reliable cancer precision medicine navigation program currently available to this population, which leaves a patient and their family members to navigate a very complex and emotional journey alone. According to a U.S. Special Operations Command report, nearly 50 active-duty SOF members have been diagnosed with cancer in the last 12 months and a total of 197 active cancer cases within active-duty forces. It is estimated that greater than 600 veteran SOF members with a diagnosis. 

SOTERIA has the ability within our reach to address the cancer travesty our service members currently face. By dedicating resources, research, and precision medicine navigation to improve cancer care for our active and non-active military community, we not only honor their sacrifices, but we also work towards better outcomes and quality of life for those who have served and continue to serve our country.

Donors and Partners

None of our work would be possible without the incredible support and collaboration of our valued donors and partners. Together we strive to provide vital resources, support networks, and hope to individuals and families impacted by cancer.