For Jim Pantelas—a veteran, advocate, and 20-year lung cancer survivor—his diagnosis marked the start of a journey filled with resilience, hope, and purpose. His remarkable story highlights the power of determination, the life-saving impact of new treatments, and his dedication to improving awareness and care for others, especially veterans.
Jim’s journey is also a reflection of the progress made in lung cancer research and awareness over the past 2 decades— progress that he has worked tirelessly to support through his advocacy efforts.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
In 2005, lung cancer screening programs were not yet available, and the disease was considered treatable but not curable. Jim’s diagnosis came after experiencing mild symptoms that he initially dismissed; persistent issues led him to seek medical advice—a decision that ultimately saved his life.
Jim recalls that he was initially diagnosed at stage IB, leading doctors to believe that he would require only the removal of a portion of 1 lobe of his right lung. However, during surgery, they discovered the cancer had spread further than anticipated. Surgeons removed three-quarters of his right lung and 13 lymph nodes, all of which were found to have metastasis. As a result, his diagnosis was updated to stage IIIB with stage IV lymph node involvement.
“I wasn’t saved by a scan, and while my tumor said stage IB, the spread took me to stage IIIB, and what probably saved me was concurrent extended doses of both platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation—and a whole bunch of luck!” Jim notes.
At the time, concurrent chemotherapy and radiation were considered experimental. There were no immunotherapies, biomarker testing, or multidisciplinary teams to guide lung cancer care, leaving patients with limited options. Jim’s survival is a testament to his resilience and the dedication of his medical team, who embraced innovative approaches to treatment despite limited treatment options available at the time.
The Importance of Awareness and Screening
Although Jim’s diagnosis was not the result of screening, his story highlights the importance of early detection. Lung cancer screening programs were not approved at the time of his diagnosis, and widespread implementation did not begin until the late 2010s. Today, low-dose computed tomography scans are a proven method of detecting lung cancer in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable.
For veterans, screening is particularly crucial. Military service often brings exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, depleted uranium, Agent Orange, and burn pits, and smoking rates among service members have historically been high. These factors contribute to the increased risk of lung cancer among veterans, making access to screening programs essential.
Jim works tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of screening, especially among veterans, while advocating for increased access to care.
Turning Survival Into Advocacy
Surviving lung cancer was not the end of Jim’s journey—it was the beginning of a mission to improve the lives of others. Over the past 20 years, he has become a leading voice in the fight against lung cancer, advocating for increased research funding, improved patient care, and reduced stigma surrounding the disease.
Jim is particularly passionate about his work with the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP). This initiative funds cutting-edge research designed to enhance lung cancer treatment and outcomes. Jim’s role as a patient advocate ensures that the voices of survivors are heard in research discussions and funding decisions.
“There was no CDMRP LCRP, no PCORI [Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute], and NCI [National Cancer Institute] probably dedicated less than 3% of its research dollars to lung cancer at the time of my diagnosis,” Jim explains. “At that time, lung cancer was considered ‘preventable’ and not survivable. It was thought to require no direct research funding beyond smoking cessation. Those thoughts are no longer considered accurate, and current knowledge includes a host of additional risk factors not considered in the past, including toxin and environmental exposures, genetics, and family histories. In veterans, toxins and environmental exposures can increase risks of the disease exponentially.”
Even as late as 2016, Jim points out, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testified before Congress that lung cancer needed no targeted research funding beyond smoking-prevention efforts. These systemic barriers left lung cancer patients with few resources and perpetuated damaging stigma.
Through his work with CDMRP and other organizations like the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, Jim has helped advocate for research that addresses the unique challenges faced by lung cancer patients, particularly veterans and underserved communities.
Life After Diagnosis: Family, Resilience, and Gratitude
While Jim’s professional advocacy work is inspiring, his personal life is equally remarkable. His family—especially his daughters—has been a cornerstone of his support system throughout his journey.
Jim credits his family and loved ones with giving him the strength to push through the darkest moments of his diagnosis and treatment. For Jim, spending time with his daughters and celebrating milestones has become even more meaningful in the years since his diagnosis.
“Cancer changes you,” Jim reflects. “It makes you appreciate the little things—time with family, the chance to help others, the opportunity to share your story. I’m grateful for every day I get to spend with the people I love.”
Despite the long-term effects of his treatments, including the removal of most of his right lung, Jim approaches life with optimism and gratitude. His resilience continues to inspire others, and his advocacy reminds us that progress is achievable when people work together.
Veterans and Lung Cancer: A Call to Action
Jim’s story is a powerful example of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of fighting for progress. He is living proof that survival is possible, even in the face of dire odds, and he continues to advocate for the changes needed to improve outcomes for others.
For veterans, lung cancer remains a pressing issue. It is the second-most common cancer among veterans, yet many are diagnosed too late to benefit from curative treatments. Programs like those offered by Veterans Affairs are working to provide early screening for veterans at risk, but there is still much work to be done to ensure access and awareness.
Jim’s voice is helping to drive this change. He encourages veterans to seek out available resources and to prioritize their health.
An Inspiration to Many
Jim Pantelas’s 20-year journey as a lung cancer survivor and veteran is a testament to hope, and the power of advocacy. His survival story challenges outdated narratives about lung cancer, proving that the disease is not only treatable but also survivable—and that every patient deserves access to the best care available.
Through his work, Jim reminds us that survival is possible, advocacy is powerful, and progress is achievable. Whether through raising awareness, improving access to care, or supporting research, we can all play a role in the fight against lung cancer.
Sources
- Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. Jim Pantelas: A New Perspective Leads to a Passion for Life and Advocacy. Accessed on November 3, 2025. https://cdmrp.health.mil/cwg/stories/2016/pantelas_profile Lung Cancer Foundation of America. Speakers Bureau. Jim Pantelas. Accessed on November 3, 2025. https://lcfamerica.org/speaker-profile/jim-pantelas/
- Moninger J. Longtime Lung Cancer Thrivers. cure. Accessed on November 3, 2025. www.curetoday.com/view/longtime-lung-cancer-thrivers
- Sprey E. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA works to raise awareness for lung cancer screening in veterans. July 2020. Accessed on November 3, 2025. www.research.va.gov/currents/0720-VA-works-to-raise-awareness-for-lungcancer-screening-in-Veterans.cfm
- WXYZ Detroit. The importance of screening, overcoming stigma during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Accessed on November 3, 2025. www. wxyz.com/news/voices/the-importance-of-screening-overcoming-stigma-during-lung-cancer-awareness-month