When a Veteran is diagnosed with cancer, traveling to far away hospitals in urban areas can make the idea of receiving treatment for their cancer feel even more daunting. That’s because 66% of rural communities do not have access to an oncologist — the medical provider who specializes in caring for cancer and guiding patients’ treatment.

For Marine Corps Veteran Thomas Carlson—who lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota—geography could have been a barrier to care when he was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer in 2019. But thanks to innovative VA telehealth solutions that brought cutting-edge care to him, it wasn’t. National TeleOncology (NTO) services are increasing access to cancer care for Veterans living in rural communities. 

Learn more: Read this VA News article and watch the companion video.