10/06/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/06/2024 12:38
At VA, breast cancer awareness is more than wearing pink ribbons. It's about empowering individuals, especially Veterans and their caregivers, with the knowledge and resources to take charge of their health, know their risk factors and support those facing the diagnosis from treatment through recovery.
Take Army Veteran Michelle Terwilliger, a nurse practitioner case manager at Durham VA, who was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on her left breast. After years of caring for fellow Veterans, she was now the one searching for answers and help. "Being in health care and knowing all the things that cancer can involve, your mind jumps to the worst," she shared.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, and over 1,200 Veterans enrolled in VA care are diagnosed with it each year. The good news is that the survival rate increases dramatically with early detection. Stage 1A (localized) breast cancer has a 99% survival rate if detected early, which is why regular breast self-exams, clinical breast exams and mammograms are vital.
Terwilliger's experience reinforced her belief in VA care. "Everyone has been wonderful from primary care to radiology, like an extension of my family. I don't know if I would have felt this supported outside the VA health care system."
The number of Veterans seeking breast cancer at VA is growing and there are several new and expanding support programs that aim to meet the needs of Veterans at risk of or faced with this diagnosis, including:
Learn more about VA cancer care.
Visit My HealtheVet to speak with your health care team, so together you can manage your health.