{"id":8339,"date":"2024-02-28T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8339"},"modified":"2024-02-28T15:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T15:30:00","slug":"innovations-in-va-cervical-cancer-treatment-services","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8339","title":{"rendered":"Innovations in VA cervical cancer treatment services"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-02-28T15:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

As more women Veterans choose VA each year for their health care, VA continues to expand support programs. Implementing advanced cervical cancer treatments across the country is one such example.<\/p>\n

Led by Dr. Haley Moss, Durham VA\u2019s director of VA\u2019s Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence and gynecologic oncologist, VA is pioneering approaches that are reshaping the landscape of care for women Veterans faced with this disease.<\/p>\n

While breast cancer gets more attention in the media, the VA Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence is designed to meet the specific needs of women Veterans who report cervical cancer risk factors at higher rates than non-Veterans. In a 2023 study, about 19% of women Veterans with recent screenings showed abnormal results compared to 13% of women who were non-Veterans.<\/p>\n

Each year in the United States, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and about 4,000 women die.<\/p>\n

Cervical cancer is a type of gynecologic cancer that begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. It usually grows slowly and is mainly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Fortunately, early detection of cervical cancer before it becomes fatal is possible. \u201cWith regular pap smear screenings, we can catch it early, and it\u2019s often highly treatable,\u201d said Moss.<\/p>\n

Every VA facility has dedicated women\u2019s health providers and women Veterans with VA questions are encouraged reach out to their local VA, the Women Veterans Call Center<\/a> or visit https:\/\/www.womenshealth.va.gov\/.<\/p>\n

Supporting women Veterans with cervical cancer<\/h2>\n

While the number of Veterans seeking cervical cancer care at VA is growing, there are several new and expanding support programs that aim to meet the needs of Veterans faced with this diagnosis, including:<\/p>\n