Hampton, Va. - A NewsChannel 3 investigation into the Hampton VA Medical Center has many veterans reaching out and sharing their stories about the long wait times for appointments.
Vietnam veteran Phillip Askew's fight to treat his potential prostate cancer touched many.
And he is not alone with his struggles in getting treatment from the Hampton VA.
NewsChannel 3 received calls, emails and Facebook messages from many viewers.
When it comes to cancer, experts say long waits for diagnosis and treatment could be the difference between life and death.
Keith Gregory, executive director for Hampton University's Proton Therapy Institute says early detection is key, especially with the horrible statistics for prostate cancer in Hampton Roads.
“The morbidity or mortality rate for African Americans in the Hampton Roads area is the highest in the country,” says Gregory.
A possible reason is the area's large veteran population that has been exposed to chemicals like Agent Orange in wars past combined with late detection.
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Former marine exposed to Camp Lejune water fights for proper care at Hampton VA
