# What This Bill Does: Better Breast Cancer Care for Veterans

This bill is designed to improve how the Department of Veterans Affairs provides breast cancer screening and treatment to veterans, particularly women veterans. Right now, many veterans struggle to access quality mammograms and breast cancer care, especially those living in rural areas or dealing with disabilities. This legislation aims to fix those problems by modernizing equipment, expanding services, and making sure veterans can get the care they need closer to home.

The bill tackles several specific issues. First, it requires the VA to upgrade all its mammography machines to use newer 3D imaging technology (called digital breast tomosynthesis) within two years, which provides clearer, more accurate images than traditional mammograms. Second, it creates a pilot program to bring telemammography services to veterans in states or areas where the VA doesn't currently offer breast imaging—essentially allowing veterans to get mammograms at local clinics while expert radiologists review the images remotely. Third, it expands genetic testing for breast cancer genes, which helps identify veterans at higher risk and can guide treatment decisions. The bill also specifically addresses accessibility for disabled veterans, including those with spinal cord injuries, by studying whether VA facilities can accommodate their needs and requiring the VA to work with outside providers to ensure accessible care.

Beyond screening, the bill strengthens cancer treatment by requiring the VA to partner with National Cancer Institute centers in every region of the country, giving veterans access to cutting-edge cancer research and clinical trials. It also mandates that the VA and Department of Defense work together to improve how military members transitioning to veteran status can continue their breast cancer care without interruption. Throughout, the bill requires multiple reports and studies to track progress and identify remaining gaps, ensuring the VA stays accountable for actually delivering these improvements to veterans who need them.

Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act

Brownley, Julia

Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act This bill addresses the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provision of mammograms and breast cancer treatment. Among other requirements, the VA must <ul> <li>submit a strategic plan for improving breast imaging services for veterans,</li> <li>implement a three-year pilot program to provide telemammography services for veterans who live in locations where access to breast imaging services at a VA facility is difficult or unfeasible,</li> <li>upgrade all mammography services at its facilities to use three-dimensional breast imaging,</li> <li>update guidelines to increase the use of testing for the breast cancer gene and genetic counseling for veterans diagnosed with breast cancer, and</li> <li>update its policies and directives to ensure that it confirms the accessibility of a breast imaging site when referring a veteran with a spinal cord injury or disorder to a non-VA provider.</li> </ul> In addition, the VA must enter into a partnership with at least one cancer center of the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in each Veterans Integrated Service Network to expand access to high-quality cancer care for women veterans. In implementing such partnerships, the VA must ensure that veterans with breast cancer who reside in rural areas or states without a partner cancer center are able to receive care through telehealth. Finally, the VA must collaborate with the Department of Defense and report on all current research and health care collaborations between the departments on treating veterans and members of the Armed Forces with breast cancer.