Throughout October, Veteran Owned Business joins communities across the country in recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, encourage early detection, support those currently fighting breast cancer, celebrate survivors, and remember the loved ones we have lost.

For our women Veterans, this month also serves as an important reminder to make your own health a priority.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs encourages women Veterans to stay up to date on breast cancer screenings and to talk with their health care providers about their individual risk factors.

🎀 VA now recommends that women Veterans begin breast cancer screening with mammography at age 40.

This is an important change from VA’s previous recommendation to begin screening at age 45. According to VA, newer science shows that more lives can be saved from breast cancer by beginning screening earlier.

VA recommends that women ages 40 through 74 receive a mammogram every two years, although women may choose to be screened every year. Women over age 74 are encouraged to talk with their health care provider about the risks and benefits of continued screening and determine the screening plan that’s right for them.

🎀 Early detection matters.

Mammograms can help find breast cancer early, sometimes before there are noticeable symptoms, giving women the opportunity to begin treatment before the cancer spreads.

For Veterans receiving their health care through VA, mammogram costs are covered by VA.

Women Veterans should also talk with their VA health care provider about factors that could affect when or how often they should be screened, including:

• A family history of breast cancer
• Dense breast tissue
• Possible exposures during military service
• Personal medical history or other breast cancer risk factors

If you’ve had a mammogram outside VA, VA also encourages you to share those results with your VA health care team so they can be included as part of your ongoing care.

Breast health isn’t something to think about only during October. Know your body. Know your risk. Keep up with recommended screenings. And if you notice a change or have a concern about your breast health, talk with your health care provider.

This month, we stand with the Veterans, active duty military members, reservists, military spouses, family members, friends and loved ones whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.

🎀 We honor those fighting.

🎀 We celebrate the survivors.

🎀 We remember those we have lost.

🎀 And we encourage women throughout our Veteran and military community to take care of themselves — and encourage the women they love to do the same.

Early detection can save lives.

🇺🇸 From all of us at Veteran Owned Business, please help spread the word this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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