The Boston City Council convened on March 21, 2025, to address critical health issues affecting veterans, particularly focusing on lung cancer rates among Black veterans. The meeting began with an order for a hearing to discuss these alarming statistics, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action.

Dr. Weiner opened the discussion by presenting sobering facts: approximately 8,000 veterans are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, with 5,000 succumbing to the disease annually. He emphasized that veterans, particularly Black veterans, face significantly higher rates of lung cancer due to factors such as historical smoking practices in the military and exposure to toxic substances like Agent Orange and asbestos during service. Black men, in particular, have the highest rates of lung cancer diagnosis and mortality in the United States.

Dr. Weiner pointed out that timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates. He advocated for annual lung cancer screenings, which can reduce mortality risk by 20% among high-risk individuals. Despite the availability of these screenings, awareness remains low, especially among Black veterans, with fewer than 20% of eligible Americans having undergone screening.

To combat this issue, Dr. Weiner and his team at VA Boston have initiated community outreach programs designed specifically for Black veterans. These programs aim to raise awareness about lung cancer and the importance of screening, with events held at local venues like the Kroc Center. Collaborations with community organizations have been instrumental in building trust and encouraging veterans to seek necessary health care.

Rob, a participant in the meeting, echoed Dr. Weiner's sentiments, praising the life-saving information being disseminated through these outreach efforts. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue advocating for better health care access for veterans, ensuring they receive the screenings and treatments they deserve.

Overall, the discussions underscored the pressing need for increased awareness and proactive measures to address lung cancer among veterans, particularly within the Black community, as the city seeks to improve health outcomes for those who have served.