Veterans dedicate their lives to protecting others, often at great personal risk. Their service takes them into environments that expose them to harmful substances, from burn pits to toxic chemicals, leaving their lung health especially vulnerable. Unfortunately, these health challenges frequently go undetected during routine screenings, leading to serious complications later.

With lung cancer rates 76% higher[1]among Veterans than the general population, identifying issues early is critical. Philips, in partnership with 4DMedical™, is stepping up to address these challenges with innovative imaging technologies designed to detect and treat lung conditions with accuracy, compassion and urgency.

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The challenges of detecting lung issues in Veterans

For many Veterans, health complications may not show up until it’s too late. Christina Nichols, Philips Enterprise Strategic Solutions Leader for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, explains that initial screenings by primary care providers (PCPs) often miss small airway diseases." Diagnostic tools like chest X-rays or CT scans are crucial for large airway diseases," she notes, "but they struggle to detect the smaller, more complex problems lurking beneath the surface."

Such undetected conditions include constrictive bronchitis, early-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases that affect a staggering amount[2] of Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. These issues leave many struggling with breathlessness, chronic cough and wheezing while their test results come back “normal." It’s a frustrating, disheartening cycle that leaves Veterans suffering in silence.

Dr. Amy Rohs, a Physician Clinical Champion at Philips and Veteran, describes the diagnostic dilemma vividly, likening traditional scans to looking at a single large balloon rather than uncovering the many smaller balloons within it. "That’s where Veterans face a major gap in care," she explains.

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How advanced screening is changing the landscape

Enter the collaboration between Philips and 4DMedical™,which is bringing cutting-edge solutions to Veterans’ care using advanced lung imaging technology. Unlike standard tests, 4DMedical’s software transforms existing CT scans and X-rays into detailed, four-dimensional models of the lungs. This allows clinicians to detect and assess even the smallest changes in lung structure and function.

Dr. Rohs points out that this leap forward enables earlier, more accurate diagnoses. “This technology not only improves detection but also builds a visual history of the lungs, making it easier to track incremental changes over time,” she says. Armed with these insights, healthcare providers can prescribe treatments tailored to each patient’s exact needs, minimizing risks and moving quickly toward relief.

Beyond pulmonary care, this innovation brings hope for addressing other critical health concerns. Cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death among Veterans, can also be assessed through 4DMedical'sCoronary Artery Calcification (CAC™) Analysis. This tool identifies calcium deposits in blood vessels, paving the way for targeted treatments that manage cholesterol levels, blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks.

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Simplifying care for those who’ve sacrificed

For Veterans, life after service often involves long drives to clinic appointments and countless follow-ups. As a Veteran myself, I think it’s crucial to simplify this process. With 4DMedical’s software, Veterans can receive a comprehensive lung and heart health evaluation in a single, 10-to-15-minute CT scan. No additional lab work, contrast agents or repeat visits required. It’s about respecting their time and their sacrifices, so they get the answers they need without additional stress.

Dr.Rohs echoes this sentiment, adding that giving Veterans faster, more reliable diagnoses is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. “Too many Veterans have been left waiting – for answers, for VA benefits, for relief. It’s time to give them the care they’ve earned and deserve.”

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A mission of care and commitment

For Philips and 4DMedical™, this isn’t just another healthcare program; it’s a mission. Rohs, also a Veteran, sees her work as deeply personal. “These are my brothers and sisters,” she says passionately. “Some of us made it out without health issues, but many didn’t. They fought for us, and it’s our job to fight for them in return.”

By harnessing the power of advanced technology, Philips and 4DMedical™ aim to ensure that every Veteran receives timely, life-saving care. Together, they’re not just addressing lung health; they’re championing the well-being of those who’ve served us all.

Visit us to explore Philips and 4DMedical’s groundbreaking innovations in Veteran care.

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[1] Real-WorldVA Study Shows Substantial Mortality Benefit From Lung Cancer Screening - U.S.Medicine

[2]https://respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-diseases/chronic-pulmonary-disorders/asthma/pulmonary-function-abnormalities-common-iraq-afghanistan-veterans/

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