Veteran’s ovarian cancer treatment at VA

Choosing VA cancer care has led to positive outcomes for Eleanor Hughes, a dedicated Veteran with a unique military career. At the Hampton VA Medical Center and through VA’s Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence, Hughes found more than just medical treatment—she found a compassionate and dedicated team of professionals who were ready to support her every step of the way.

Serving in and out of the uniform

Hughes’ career path is one of a kind: She has served in both the Air Force and Army—in both enlisted and commissioned roles—and now works as a civilian in the Navy.

“Working for the Reserve allowed me to get health care for my family,” she shared. In between deployments, she pursued two bachelor’s degrees and a law degree, and now provides legal services to transitioning reservists of all branches of the military.

During her military service, including a deployment to Iraq in the 1980s, Hughes was exposed to burn pits, establishing a service connection for the cancer she would later be diagnosed with. She would go on to receive VA health benefits under the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act.

In June 2023 during a family event, she started experiencing severe pain and, upon her daughter’s advice, visited a local emergency room where a CT scan revealed stage IV ovarian cancer.

Finding hope through VA’s system of care

After a CT-scan and over seven hours in the emergency room, “The doctor said it was ovarian cancer. It comes on very suddenly and you’re stage IV. I called VA the next day and set up an appointment, otherwise I would’ve waited and it might’ve been too late.”

One of the pivotal moments in Hughes’ cancer treatment journey was the timely intervention of VA’s Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence. When Hughes told her nurse case manager that she wanted a doctor that would be “urgent about this,” she was immediately referred to Dr. Haley Moss.

Throughout her chemotherapy treatment, Hughes said Dr. Moss, “Has smoothed over every question.”

The team’s swift action in close collaboration with Hampton VA addressed her immediate medical needs, helping set Hughes on the path to recovery.

Advice for fellow Veterans

Hughes’ message to other Veterans is to trust their instincts, seek medical attention when something feels wrong and never hesitate to advocate for their health. By sharing her VA cancer care story, Hughes hopes to inspire others to prioritize their well-being and access the care they deserve.

“I am constantly advocating for my own clients to go to VA,” she said. As she recommends, if you were exposed to burn pits, make sure you let your care team know so it goes into your medical record.

As Hughes stated, “Life doesn’t always take you where you plan.” Amidst her diagnosis, she turned to VA for her treatment, drawing upon her knowledge of the PACT Act and her preference for VA care.

Learn more about VA cancer care

Learn more about VA and the Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence by viewing Cancer Allies or visiting cancer.va.gov. Veterans are strongly encouraged to talk to their VA provider about the need for different cancer screenings and what screening options are available.

Visit My HealtheVet to learn tips and tools to help you partner with your health care team so together you may work to manage your health.