Breast cancer screenings could save your life

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and over 1,200 Veterans enrolled in VA care receive this diagnosis each year. VA provides comprehensive health services from breast screening mammograms to cancer treatment, supporting women through routine preventative care and recovery.

Regular screenings, like mammograms, can identify cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable, allowing for a wider range of treatment options.

Every VA medical center has a Women Veterans Program manager and Women’s Health primary care providers dedicated to ensuring women Veterans have access to appropriate care and treatment.

“VA women’s health providers are specifically trained to treat women Veterans and their experiences, from their mental health to their physical health,” said Dr. Chelsea Morgan, director of Comprehensive Health, Office of Women’s Health.

Breast cancer services and resources available at VA

VA uses the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer screening guidelines and recommends that all women begin getting yearly mammograms by age 45. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms.

You may also choose to start screening with yearly mammograms at age 40 or earlier if you have additional risk factors, such as certain genetic mutations, a family history of breast cancer or other specific concerns.

VA offers the following breast cancer support and resources:

• Breast cancer screening (including mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRI).
• Breast biopsy and surgery.
• Cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Full-service oncology (the study and treatment of tumors).
• Connection to clinical trials.
• Mental health care.

“Preventive care is critical to the mission of preserving health and wellness,” said Morgan. “VA is committed to supporting you every step of the way, from life-saving early detection screenings to comprehensive cancer care treatment.”

Mammography screening eligibility through the SERVICE Act

Certain Veterans may now be eligible for breast cancer risk assessment and mammograms if clinically indicated through the SERVICE Act. The Act expands eligibility for mammography screenings, despite age, to Veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances at specific locations.

The specified locations and time periods include:

Iraq

• Aug. 2, 1990 – Feb. 28, 1991.
• March 19, 2003 – until burn pits are no longer used.

Southwest Asia theater of operations including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar:

• Aug. 2, 1990 – until burn pits are no longer used.

Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Yemen:

• Sept. 11, 2001 – until burn pits are no longer used.

To learn more about breast cancer screening at VA, download the SERVICE Act handout or call 1-855-VA-WOMEN for more information. For Veterans already using VA health care, see your primary care provider to assess your risk for breast cancer.

If you’re not already enrolled or using VA health care, get more information about enrolling.