May is Women’s Health Care Month, a time when women’s health care is a top priority and the focus is on ensuring women have access to the resources they need to address their unique health needs. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the important work the Department of Veterans Affairs is making to improve the health of women veterans and reduce health disparities among female veterans.
Women are the fastest growing group of veterans, currently making up 10% of the total veterans population. Female veterans are projected to make up more than 14% of the veterans population by 2033, and more than 18% by 2040.
VA is focused on promoting health equity as a top priority and ensuring that women veterans receive the best possible care. This is because every Veterans Affairs medical center across the country has a Women Veterans Program Manager who advocates for women veterans and helps coordinate services from primary care to specialty care for chronic illnesses and reproductive health. It is often done at the local level.
Access to cancer care
As the number of female veterans continues to grow, it is imperative to address special medical needs, such as those related to cancer.
Female veterans face unique challenges when it comes to cancer care. For example, exposure to environmental toxins during military service may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, increasing the need for more targeted treatment strategies. In addition, female veterans may face barriers to obtaining medical care, such as lack of transportation and balancing childcare needs.
To address these challenges, the VA has initiated several initiatives aimed at improving healthcare and access. The VA’s National Oncology Program works with the Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System to improve the quality of care for veterans diagnosed with reproductive cancers such as breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer. Established the Institute of Excellence (BGSoE).
Coordinated, Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care
BGSoE’s multidisciplinary team includes medical oncology, gynecologic oncology, breast surgery, radiation oncology, advanced medical practitioners, pharmacy, and nursing. The team is developing a system to ensure coordinated, integrated, compassionate, patient-centered care, especially for veterans who need access to different health systems to receive care in different specialties. increase.
Veterans also benefit from a collaborative network of health care providers, leading physicians and cancer care professionals nationwide through VA National TeleOncology (NTO). NTO will enable cancer care providers to reach veterans through telemedicine at home, wherever they are. Provides medical oncology diagnosis and treatment, including rehabilitation and palliative care.
Infusion treatments offered only at VA Medical Centers may not be accessible. NTO has launched a pilot program called the Close to Me IV Service. It places chemotherapy-certified nurses to administer anticancer drugs near where veterans live. These nurses visit community-based outpatient clinics, mobile infusion units, and patients’ homes. Close to Me has saved tens of thousands of miles of travel for veterans across the country.
Promote fair outcomes
These efforts have yielded great results. In the private sector, women with bladder cancer have significantly longer time to treatment than men, but within the VA’s equal access system these disparities have been closed.
This system also eliminated differences in survival outcomes between black and white patients with bladder cancer. These facts highlight the importance of VA’s efforts to reduce economic and social barriers to care, which ultimately counteract health disparities.
here for you
The VA recognizes the importance of providing emotional support to female veterans with cancer through the Women’s Veterans Affairs Call Center. The Women Veterans Call Center provides information and resources regarding medical, benefits, and other services to women veterans. A call center staffed by female staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you have a question or can’t find what you’re looking for, call, text, or chat online with the Women’s Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636 for assistance and help with what’s available in your area. Find resources and services.
Women’s health care is a top priority throughout the year. The VA is making important innovations to improve care for female veterans and is committed to providing comprehensive care to female veterans with cancer. These programs represent VA’s commitment to providing an equitable healthcare experience for veterans.
To learn more about cancer care in VA, visit cancer.va.gov..