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Veterans Health Administration

 

Mammography

Introduction

The latest guideline applies to women at average risk for breast cancer. Among other recommendations, it says all women should begin having yearly mammograms by age 45, and can change to having mammograms every other year beginning at age 55. Women should have the choice to start screening with yearly mammograms as early as age 40 if they want to.

Resources

VA’s press release https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2899

ACS Guidelines https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/special-coverage/american-cancer-society-breast-cancer-screening-guidelines.html

Women Veterans Program Managers: All VA medical centers have a Women Veterans Program Manager to help women Veterans access VA benefits and health care services. To find the VA medical center nearest you, call 1-877-222-8387 or visit www.va.gov/directory/.

Mobile Mammography

mobile mammography van picture
Currently VISN 6 and the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System have mobile radiology units.

 

VISN 6 Mobile Mammography Van

Breast cancer screening is important. A mammogram is one of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early and early detection makes a big difference in a women’s chance of surviving.

VA encourages all women between ages 50 and 75 to get mammograms every two years. If your health care provider recommends a mammogram outside of this age range, VA will still provide it.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Mobile Mammography Unit provides access to mammography screening to Women Veterans at selected VA Health Care Centers in North Carolina.

The Mobile Mammography Unit features:

  • Digital mammography technology
  • All-female technologists
  • Private changing room with separate clinical exam room
  • Privacy and comfort of a traditional screening center with the convenience of a fully functioning mobile unit
  • Compliance with federal guidelines for all personnel, equipment and record-keeping as mandated by the Mammography Quality Standards Act

NOTE: At this time, data on breast cancer among transgender men and women are too limited to comment on any increased or decreased risk in these populations. If you are transgender, talk with your health care provider about your breast cancer risk.

Additional Resources

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