When Army Veteran Steven Altrich went for his annual physical at the Fargo North Dakota VA in January 2023, his main concern was getting help to quit smoking . Shortly after that appointment, however, he underwent a recommended low-dose CT scan that revealed something far more serious—a tumor on his kidney.
“It was a bit of a shock when they told me I had kidney cancer and needed surgery in two weeks,” recalled Altrich, who served as a truck driver during Operation Desert Storm. “But looking back, I’m grateful it happened that way—there was no time to worry.”
After VA surgeons removed Altrich’s right kidney, along with a two-pound tumor, he learned that the cancer had not spread further. Altrich received a year of preventative immunotherapy under the guidance of a VA TeleOncologist based 1,400 miles away in Durham, North Carolina. He also successfully quit smoking.
TeleOncology provides access to care
TeleOncology provides Veterans access to cancer care experts no matter where they live and no matter what subspecialty of oncology care they need.
“My nurse practitioner Tara was in constant contact with my TeleOncologist, and at Fargo VA, it was like having a family doctor,” said Altrich. “They know your name, they say ‘hi,’ and they check up on you when they don’t even have to.”
Altrich’s message to fellow Veterans is clear: “Don’t wait. When something serious comes up at VA, there’s no waiting—you become top priority. Take advantage of the health care we’re granted and don’t hesitate to speak to someone about how you’re doing.”
If you have questions about cancer screening, quitting smoking or any other health concerns, contact your VA care team to learn more.
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I lost my right kidney in the same manner, a scan and all of a sudden surgery. I still don’t know why the cancer was not picked up before it cost a kidney. I had many blood test to date. The left kidney is functioning at around 30%.
I would suggest VA users request a cancer check often. Apparently it is not normally checked on blood draws.
Cancers suck it doesn’t care who what or age . I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late January and confirmed on February 8, being a veteran and lack of medical care in Florida . I got to see Community care Doctors. On April 15 i had my prostate removed it was a successful . All cancer in that area is gone.
Its the aftermath of the removal at 69 years old and depending on depends this is my 4 week I have to change out 3-4 times a day . I sneeze, laugh, cough unfortunately i pee Re shower and do it all over again. But my medical staff would not have been available for if the Va had Doctors available. And I’m thankful for having that opportunity. Theres a book called 100 questions and answers about prostate cancer. . I suggest everyone who is diagnosed with this disease should read it . They gave us 2 options I chose the Robotic prostate icy
I had an MRI on 5 Jan 2025 to check-up on kidney cancer removed from my right kidney Feb 2021. MRI revealed a 1 cm tumor on my left Kidney. It took 4 months to get my first Dr appointment. It’s now May 14th and today Urology and Surgery are supposed to be fighting it out in a tumor board to figure out what to do about my cancer. Not all VA’s are the same.
Which VA blessed you