The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding breast cancer screenings and mammograms to Veterans under 40, who may have been exposed to burn pits and other toxins during their service.
Veterans are eligible for these screenings regardless of age, symptoms, family history, and whether they are enrolled in VA healthcare.
VA is expanding eligibility for breast cancer risk assessments and clinically appropriate mammograms as a part of implementing the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act.
Breast cancer is also a presumptive condition under the PACT Act, the largest expansion of Veterans care and benefits in generations.
These services are available to Veterans who served in the following places and timeframes:
- Iraq between Aug. 2, 1990, and Feb. 28, 1991, and from March 19, 2003, until VA determines burn pits are no longer used in Iraq.
- The Southwest Asia theater of operations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar (but not including Iraq), from Aug. 2, 1990, until VA determines burn pits are no longer used in such locations.
- Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Yemen from Sept. 11, 2001, until VA determines burn pits are no longer used in such locations.
- Other locations and time periods as determined by the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.
Veterans who are interested in the breast cancer risk assessment screenings can contact their VA primary care provider or reach out to their local VA Medical Center.