Thousands of Veterans receive free mammograms under recent law
The Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans in Combat Environments Act, otherwise known as the SERVICE Act, expanded breast cancer risk assessment and mammogram screening eligibility for Veterans who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals and other hazards while deployed.
Since the SERVICE Act was signed into law on June 2, 2022, approximately 9,500 Veterans have completed a breast cancer risk assessment, including 142 Veterans at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and its six outpatient clinics.
Marine Corps Veteran Frances Baker is one of them.
Baker served for four years as a jet engine mechanic. She credits her primary care provider, Dr. Thomas McDonough at Hines’ Hoffman Estates VA Clinic, for helping her take the next step and get the assessment.
“I felt that my primary care provider cared and did everything he could on his side to make it possible,” said Baker. “In the military, I worked with a lot of chemicals that have a lot of risks involved so knowing I have these screenings available gives me a peace of mind.”
Navy Veteran Desmani Phillips echoes Baker’s sentiment.
Phillips, 31, had to get an early mammogram due to her mother being diagnosed with breast cancer and was surprised when her primary care provider told her about the breast cancer risk assessment.
“You have so many ladies who don’t realize things that might be going on with their bodies and it is just so helpful to have the resources to check yourself out,” said Phillips. “You can never be too careful.”