VA, Duke University and Baylor College of Medicine launch partnership to enhance breast cancer treatment for Veterans

WASHINGTON — In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it has launched a new strategic partnership with Duke University and Baylor College of Medicine towards building VA’s National Women Veterans Oncology System of Excellence, integrating the best of the public and private sectors to serve patients.

Through a shared commitment to transform cancer prevention, treatment and outcomes while providing highly coordinated, integrated patient centered care, this partnership will recruit the nation’s top breast cancer oncologists to advance and improve health outcomes for women Veterans as well as launch new collaborative research programs.

“VA is steadfast in building bold and innovative partnerships such as this one with Duke and Baylor, which is consistent with VA’s vision to address the public health crisis presented by cancer,” said VA Deputy Secretary Pamela Powers. “It is among our top priorities to fight cancer, serve our Veterans, build world class partnerships and hire innovative and well-respected cancer care professionals.”

In addition to prioritizing co-recruitment efforts, developing national tumor boards, and increasing Veteran access to clinical trials, VA, Duke University and Baylor will create a multi-disciplinary steering committee for implementation of these partnerships.

The National Women Veterans Oncology System of Excellence will also partner with the National Cancer Institute, other federal agencies, academic organizations and pharmaceutical and healthcare technology companies to provide teleoncology, decentralized clinical trials, and personalized cancer care to women Veterans nationwide.

For more information on how VA is partnering to drive innovation in cancer care or to partner with VA, contact Cancer@va.gov.