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Standing Together in Pink

Walking

By West Texas VA Health Care System Public Affairs

Each October, people across the nation come forward in a wave of pink to raise awareness about breast cancer — a disease that affects one in eight women in their lifetime, and in rare cases, men as well.

At West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS), employees and Veterans proudly donned the pink to honor survivors, support those currently in treatment, and remember those lost to the disease.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Breast cancer is most treatable when caught early. That’s why VA strongly encourages eligible Veterans, both women and men, to schedule regular screenings and mammograms.

“We want our Veterans to know that breast cancer doesn’t wait, and neither should they,” said Dr. Tina McClendon, Associate Director of Patient Care Services at WTVAHCS. “The earlier we detect cancer, the better the chances for successful treatment. Mammograms are quick, safe, and available at no cost to eligible Veterans.”

VA follows national screening guidelines, recommending annual or biennial mammograms for most women beginning at age 40, or earlier for those with family history or increased risk. Veterans can speak with their primary care provider or PACT team to schedule screening.

Pink Out for a Purpose

To show unity and raise awareness, staff members across all WTVAHCS facilities —including the George H. O’Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics in Abilene, Odessa, San Angelo and others — came dressed in pink shirts, pins, scrubs, and accessories to participate in a walk honoring those affected from breast cancer.

For Army Veteran Kimberly Green, the sea of pink stirred powerful emotions. She lost a close friend to breast cancer, and seeing the VA community rally brought that memory forward in a meaningful way. 

“Seeing everyone wearing pink isn’t just support,” Green said. “It reminded me of my friend who fought so hard. It tells me she’s not forgotten – and neither is anyone else who’s been through this.”


Amanda Pinkley, Women’s Veterans Program Manager at WTVAHCS, emphasized that the display was more than symbolic – it serves as a powerful reminder that no one faces breast cancer alone.

Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too

While breast cancer is most associated with women, men account for roughly 1% of all cases. VA clinicians remind Veterans that symptoms like lumps or skin changes should never be ignored. Dr. McClendon noted that breast cancer awareness applies to everyone, and that Veterans should speak with their providers if something doesn’t feel right.

How Veterans Can Take Action:

  • Schedule a screening mammogram through your VA primary care team.
  • Ask about genetic risk assessments if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
  • Know your body and report any changes right away.
  • Support fellow Veterans by sharing your experience or encouraging others to get screened.

West Texas VA remains committed to empowering Veterans with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their health. Because when it comes to breast cancer—awareness saves lives, but action saves even more.