The Women Veterans Clinic of the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System is calling on veterans who served near burn pits to immediately pursue mammography screenings.
The Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans In Combat Environments (SERVICE) Act, signed into law on June 7, 2022, expands toxic-exposure eligibility for veterans who served overseas.
The SERVICE Act expands eligibility for veterans who were deployed to certain locations during specified periods of time the ability to qualify for a breast cancer risk assessment and mammography screening if a risk is found.
The bill was named after Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and tireless veterans’ advocate, who passed away from breast cancer on April 5, 2022, at the age of 42. Thomas was a staunch advocate for helping her fellow veterans, many of whom, like her, were exposed to burn pits during their military service.
“The SERVICE Act is an opportunity for women veterans to take preventative action and ultimately save lives. Detecting possible risks are always better in advance. This act helps to identify risks ahead of progression to ensure our women veterans live a long, healthy life,” Women Veteran Program Manager Rosemary Balaguer said.
Veterans can contact their primary care team to further inquire and schedule a screening appointment.
For more information, contact the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System Public Affairs Office at (561) 422-8607.
