Breast cancer is a potentially fatal disease that affects women across all communities. Still, it's important to note that women who have served in the military are at a higher risk. Studies show that up to 40 percent more women veterans and service members may develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer rates among active-duty women are also seven times higher than the average rate of fifteen other types of cancer. Contributing factors include higher stress levels, exposure to toxic chemicals from working industrial jobs, and radio emissions. Women who work in jobs that expose them to electromagnetic radiation, such as radio operators and electricians, are at a greater risk as well.

While regular checkups and mammograms are recommended for all women, military doctors, and women veterans advocate for earlier screening. In June 2022, President Joe Biden signed the MAMMO for Veterans Act and the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act, which expanded care for veterans. These bills provide access to mammograms for veterans living in states where the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doesn't offer mammograms, upgrade the VA breast imaging facilities to 3-D breast imaging, and provide mammography screenings to military members who served in specific locations and were exposed to toxic substances like burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As a community, we have a responsibility to support our women, active members, and veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. We can help by raising awareness, advocating for earlier screening, and ensuring that they have access to the care they need to live long and healthy lives.