VA reaffirms its commitment to supporting Black Veterans and their families in the fight against cancer. By providing tailored support, information and best-in-class cancer care to promote improved wellbeing and outcomes, we highlight our efforts to ensure equitable care for all who served.

When Black male Veterans are diagnosed with prostate cancer, one of the most common diagnoses in the Veteran community, they have better outcomes when they choose VA for their care.

One recent study compared the impact of healthcare systems on prostate cancer outcomes for Black male Veterans in VA and non-VA systems in the same neighborhoods. The study found that within VA, socioeconomic and racial disparities decreased or vanished. This is because VA reduces barriers to access historically seen in non-VA settings, which minimizes these disparities.

Uterine cancer and Black Women Veterans

While Black Veterans within VA may experience better outcomes for some forms of cancer, their risk remains elevated for other types. Recent studies have found that Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with an aggressive form of uterine cancer and more likely to die than women in other racial and ethnic groups. Recognizing the importance of early detection and treatment, VA created a new resource equipping Black women Veterans with essential knowledge about risk factors and symptoms.

A Pap smear test does not screen for this type of cancer, which is why it’s important to know your body, know the risks and know the warning signs to catch it early. If symptoms arise, VA can perform tests such as an ultrasound or biopsy to detect or rule out uterine cancer. By raising awareness and providing accessible information, VA is working to empower Black women Veterans.

Genetics Service support for Black Veterans and families

Part of the best-in-class cancer care at VA includes providing genetic testing as the information locked in Veterans’ genetic code can be critical in tailoring treatments. Genetic testing is also important for understanding any cancer risk there may be for a Veteran’s family. The Clinical Cancer Genetics Service (CCGS) provides Veterans with world-class cancer genetic counseling that is readily accessible, regardless of where they live within the U.S. Through this service, Veterans have access to cancer risk assessments, hereditary germline genetic counseling and testing.

CCGS uses genetic testing to improve the detection, diagnosis and treatment of Veterans with cancer by aiding in precision cancer care (such as cancer immunotherapy, chemotherapy and more) based on their unique genetic background.

VA strives to empower Black Veterans to overcome the challenges of cancer and achieve optimal health outcomes. Together, we stand united in our mission to ensure that no Veteran faces cancer alone.

Veterans are strongly encouraged to talk to their VA provider about the need for different cancer screenings and what screening options are available.

Learn more about cancer care at VA. Visit My HealthVet to learn tips and tools to help you partner with your health care team, so together you can manage your health.

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3 Comments

  1. Surviving Widow June 19, 2024 at 21:44

    When is VA’s Veterans Benefits office going to pay Black Vietnam Veterans retroactive compensation for Glioblastoma IV brain cancer contracted as a result of their exposure to toxins such as Agent Orange (and other color toxins) and Burn Pits.

  2. nd June 19, 2024 at 20:53

    Black is a description, not a proper noun. Do not capitalize black when referring to skin color. Only capitalize black in the same instances where you would capitalize white for skin color.

    Editor: More info from AP: https://blog.ap.org/announcements/the-decision-to-capitalize-black

    • nd June 20, 2024 at 17:43

      Thank you for this information. I have sent a style suggestion to AP to consider changing this rule for many reasons, including the fact white and black are colors, not proper nouns. Proper nouns do not take limiting modifiers. One does not capitalize colors because white people are not Whites; black people are not Blacks. We are all simply people of varied origins. Our color matters only for discriminatory purposes. I am black, and I am a veteran. Period. I am offended at being called a ‘Black Veteran’ as though I am a veteran of a ‘different type’. I understand and appreciate a need to show respect when discussing non-white veterans; try using African American, which is a proper noun that takes a capital and also refers to black people.

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