Breast cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among women in the United States, and within VA, it’s the most diagnosed cancer for women. Male Veterans, too, suffer from the disease, but are diagnosed and treated at significantly higher rate thanks to VA care.
While the fight against breast cancer is recognized throughout the month of October, the celebration of World Breast Cancer Research Day on Aug. 18 is a global recognition of the life-changing research that spearheads the fight against this disease.
From a dedicated System of Excellence to the support of TeleOncology services and beyond, VA remains at the forefront of breast cancer research and treatment as part of our continued mission of service to Veterans.
System of Excellence
Established to enhance the quality of care provided to Veterans diagnosed with reproductive cancers, VA’s Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence (BGSOE) provides cutting-edge cancer care for Veterans diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancers.
With experts in medical oncology, gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology, breast surgery, clinical oncology pharmacy, oncology nursing, and care coordination, the BGSOE interdisciplinary team is dedicated to transforming cancer prevention, treatment, and outcomes while delivering coordinated, integrated, patient-centered care.
Through the BGSOE, VA is also partnering with national leaders in cancer research and patient care to develop comprehensive, coordinated patient-centered care that encompasses prevention, treatment, and survivorship. These partnerships include the National Cancer Institute, Duke University, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Baylor School of Medicine.
TeleOncology advancements
Thanks to the expertise available throughout VA’s nationwide network of clinical professionals, the BGSOE is uniquely situated to employ VA’s National TeleOncology (NTO) program, which allows our team to deliver cancer screenings, diagnostics, and treatment through telehealth services.
“With National TeleOncology, we’re able to serve Veterans in a way that meets their needs. We can ensure they get best-in-class care even if they’re miles away from a major VA facility,” NTO Director Gina McWhirter said.
Many Veterans live in rural communities without immediate access to cancer specialists. TeleOncology helps us bridge that divide and ensures Veterans can get the care they need from anywhere.
“With the assistance of modern technology, we’ve expanded our commitment to provide specialized cancer care
Bring your skills to VA
None of this would be possible without dedicated individuals and clinical experts who have committed themselves to caring for Veterans. Their work means more Veterans will not only survive their battles with cancer, but thrive afterward.
“I want women and men with breast cancer to know they’re getting the most modern and effective breast cancer treatments and genomic testing from an experienced and academic team,” said Dr. Sarah Colonna, medical director of breast cancer for BGSOE. “I am honored and humbled to be able to provide breast cancer care for Veterans across the country. Our Veterans deserve the best.”
“I don’t know if I would’ve felt this supported outside of the VA health system,” said Michelle Terwilliger, an Army Veteran and VA nurse practitioner case manager for surgery at Durham VA, who was treated for breast cancer at VA. “Everyone from primary care to radiology has been wonderful. They’re an extension of my family. The best decision I ever made was to stay in the VA system.”
Work at VA
Breast cancer has touched many lives, but at VA, there are ways you can support the fight and contribute to the care of Veterans battling the disease.
- LEARN more about VA’s part in the fight against breast cancer.
- EXPLORE our telehealth programs.
- SEARCH for an opportunity near you.
