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​​​​​Ov​​erview​

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In ​keeping with the 1st SOF Truth and in response to ​concerns from the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), in partnership with the Defense Health Agency (DHA), commissioned a comprehensive epidemiological study to determine if a disparity in cancer rates exists for SOF personnel compared to their non-SOF peers.

You can read the final report here​​.​


Key Findings​​​​​​​

The study analyzed data from a large cohort of SOF Operators and Enablers and a comparison group of general-purpose force personnel. The study found these results:

  • 1. ​SOF personnel have an 18% higher incidence of cancer overall compared to non-SOF personnel.
  • 2. This increase is mostly driven by a higher incidence of melanoma (33% higher) and testicular cancer (21% higher). While these percentage increases sound high, the absolute risk remains low and equate to just 11 additional cases per 100,000 SOF members per year.
  • 3. SOF are diagnosed at a younger age than their non-SOF peers. This is presumed to be a result of a proactive health culture and earlier screening.
  • 4​. SOF have better survival rates. The lower mortality rate is a critical and positive finding, highlighting the exceptional health, fitness, and care within the SOF community.​


​USSOCOM Next Steps​

USSOCOM is committed to our people and is taking immediate and deliberate action.

Enhancing Health Protocols: We are working with medical experts and DHA to review our current health screening and monitoring protocols to ensure they are aligned with these new findings.

Pursuing Further Research: This study answered ‘if’ there was a difference. The next phase will focus on ‘why.’ We will work with DHA epidemiologists and DOW researchers to pursue follow-on studies to better understand the higher rates of melanoma and testicular cancer.

Ensuring Transparency: We are openly sharing these findings with the force, families, and the public to ensure our entire community is informed.


What Can You Do?​​​

Your proactive engagement in your own health is your best defense.

Be Proactive About Your Health:​ Know your body. Do not ignore symptoms like new or changing moles, persistent pain, or other unexplained health issues.

Seek Early Evaluation: Report any health concerns to a medical provider immediately, regardless of your age. Seeking medical care is a sign of strength and will not negatively impact your clearance.

Reduce Your Risk: Protect your skin from the sun, maintain a healthy diet, avoid tobacco and other carcinogens, and get adequate rest.​

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​Download ​SOF Cancer​​ Study Information Sheet



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Frequently Asked Questions

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A: The study found that SOF personnel have an 18% higher incidence of cancer overall compared to a matched group of non-SOF personnel. This includes a 33% higher rate of melanoma and a 21% higher rate of testicular cancer. Furthermore, cancer diagnoses are often occurring at a significantly younger age.​

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​​​A: That 18% figure is a relative increase. The more practical number is the absolute risk, which shows that the overall chance of an individual getting cancer remains low – less than 1 out of 100.​

​A: This is a complex but important finding. The study cannot determine causation, but the lower mortality rate may be attributed to factors inherent in the SOF community, such as superior physical fitness, an increased focus on health and wellness, and potentially earlier detection and aggressive treatment through the military healthcare system. While this is positive news, it does not diminish the seriousness of the increased cancer risk.

A: This initial study was designed to determine if a disparity in cancer rates existed, not why. It has successfully identified the rates. The next phase of our effort is to work with Defense Health Agency (DHA) epidemiologists to develop follow-on studies to better understand the higher rates of melanoma and testicular cancer.

A: It means that you should discuss with your provider how the findings of this study and other individualized risk factors apply to you and your screening and prevention strategies. It is critical to perform self-checks, pay attention to your body, and report any health concerns to a medical provider immediately, regardless of your age.​

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A: First, we are being transparent with the entire SOF community by sharing these findings. Second, we are working with our medical experts and DHA epidemiologists to review our health screening and monitoring protocols. Finally, we are launching an internal health communication campaign to ensure every service member understands the importance of early screening and proactive engagement with their healthcare providers.

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A: In a secondary analysis, the data also indicated a 14% higher incidence of breast cancer. While this was not part of the primary finding, we are taking it just as seriously, and it will be included in our ongoing analysis and health monitoring protocols.

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A: Pinpointing a single specific cause is extremely challenging and unlikely to occur. SOF careers span decades and involve a wide array of intermittent and overlapping exposures – from environmental factors in diverse global locations to various occupational hazards. Furthermore, many cancers have long latency periods, developing years or decades after an exposure, which makes establishing a direct causal link to any single event or substance incredibly difficult. Future research will focus on better understanding the most significant risk factors.

A: The absolute priority is your health. Seeking medical evaluation is a sign of strength and is critical for long-term readiness. We are working to ensure that our medical and leadership chains understand that the goal is to keep our force healthy, not to sideline them. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to ensure you can continue to serve effectively for years to come. Your health is not a liability; it is your most important asset.​​

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A: The study did not find any significant differences in cancer rates between operator and enabler SOF populations but did not look specifically at rates in specific SOCOM units or any correlation with deployment to specific locations.​

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A: While this study didn't focus on prevention, we know that established healthy behaviors are a powerful defense. These include maintaining superior physical fitness, eating a healthy diet, not using tobacco and other carcinogens, protecting your skin from the sun, getting adequate rest, and ensuring you receive the recommended cancer screenings for your age and risk factors.

Continue to leverage the world-class health and wellness resources available within the command – your proactive engagement in your own health is your best defense.​

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Cancer Resources​

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