The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded eligibility for breast cancer screenings and mammograms for veterans exposed to burn pits regardless of their age and family history — or even if they are not enrolled in VA health care.
The benefit, for veterans who served in specific areas overseas at specific times, is the result of legislation passed last year that honored a former Marine, Kate Hendricks Thomas, who died in April 2022 after a four-year battle with Stage 4 breast cancer.
Under the new protocol, eligible veterans will be assessed for breast cancer risk via a questionnaire that explores toxic exposures, family medical history and other potential risk factors to determine whether they should get a mammogram.
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Previously, the VA followed American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer screenings, which recommend that mammograms begin at age 40.
The department will continue to do so for veterans not considered to be at higher risk.
But those eligible for the new screenings include all veterans who served in:
- Iraq from Aug. 2, 1990, to Feb. 28, 1991, and from March 19, 2003, onward — until the VA determines that burn pits are no longer in use there.
- Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar (but not Iraq), from Aug. 2, 1990, to a point when the VA determines burn pits aren't being used in those countries anymore.
- Afghanistan,…
