{"id":7720,"date":"2025-12-07T19:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-07T19:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7720"},"modified":"2025-12-07T19:30:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-07T19:30:00","slug":"standing-together-against-breast-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7720","title":{"rendered":"Standing together against breast cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2025-12-07T19:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

Early detection saves lives<\/h2>\n

Breast cancer is most treatable when caught early. That\u2019s why VA strongly encourages eligible Veterans, both women\u00a0and\u00a0men, to schedule regular screenings and mammograms.<\/p>\n

VA follows national screening guidelines, recommending annual or biennial mammograms for most women beginning at age 40, or earlier for those with family history or increased risk. Veterans can speak with their primary care provider or Primary Care Team (PACT) to schedule screening.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want our Veterans to know that breast cancer doesn\u2019t wait, and neither should they,\u201d said Dr. Tina McClendon, associate director of Patient Care Services at the West Texas VA Health Care System<\/a> (WTVAHCS). \u201cThe earlier we detect cancer, the better the chances for successful treatment. Mammograms are quick, safe and available at no cost to eligible Veterans.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pink out for a purpose<\/h2>\n

To show unity and raise awareness, staff members across all WTVAHCS facilities came dressed in pink shirts, pins, scrubs and accessories to participate in a walk honoring those affected from breast cancer.<\/p>\n

For Army Veteran Kimberly Green, the sea of pink stirred powerful emotions. She lost a close friend to breast cancer, and seeing VA community rally brought that memory forward in a meaningful way.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cSeeing everyone wearing pink isn\u2019t just support,\u201d Green said. \u201cIt reminded me of my friend who fought so hard. It tells me she\u2019s not forgotten\u2014and neither is anyone else who\u2019s been through this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amanda Pinkley, Women\u2019s Veterans program manager at WTVAHCS, emphasized that the display was more than symbolic; it serves as a powerful reminder that no one faces breast cancer alone.<\/p>\n

Men can get breast cancer, too<\/h2>\n

While breast cancer is most associated with women, men account for roughly 1% of all cases. VA clinicians remind Veterans that symptoms like lumps or skin changes should never be ignored. McClendon noted that breast cancer awareness applies to everyone, and that Veterans should speak with their providers if something doesn\u2019t feel right.<\/p>\n

How Veterans can take action<\/h2>\n