Empowering Veterans Through the VA’s Gynecologic Cancer Care Services | Haley Moss, MD, MBA
Haley Moss, MD, MBA, Director, VA Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence
As we reflect on Veterans Day, we not only honor the brave women and men who have served but also acknowledge their evolving health care needs. Women veterans, the fastest-growing demographic within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), face unique health challenges, including gynecologic cancers. It is imperative that we continue to strengthen our support and resources for these veterans, ensuring they receive the quality care they deserve.
Women now represent 30% of all new patients within VHA, and by 2040, nearly 18% of all veterans will be women. Gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers, disproportionately affect women veterans, with Black veterans being particularly impacted. Veterans diagnosed with these cancers are often younger than their civilian counterparts, presenting unique clinical challenges that demand specialized care and patient education.
This is where the VA’s Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence (BGSoE) comes in. Established to address the specific needs of veterans with reproductive cancers, BGSoE, now in its third year, is growing to provide comprehensive, national support. This includes virtual tumor boards, cancer navigation and peer support services, and the integration of telehealth through VA’s National TeleOncology (NTO) to connect Veterans in rural areas with oncology specialists.
A Veteran’s Cancer Journey: Eleanor Hughes
Veterans like Eleanor Hughes exemplify the courage of our nation’s veterans and the positive impact of VA’s comprehensive cancer care. Eleanor, a veteran of both the Air Force and Army, was exposed to burn pits during her deployment in the 1980s. Decades later, this exposure may have contributed to her diagnosis of stage IV ovarian cancer, which she discovered in June 2023.
In her time of need, Eleanor turned to VA’s Hampton VA Medical Center and BGSoE, where she found more than just expert medical care – she found a team of professionals who understood her service and her unique health care needs. From VA’s care coordination to her chemotherapy treatment under my care, Eleanor’s journey highlights VA’s integrated approach to providing compassionate, comprehensive care.
Hughes’ message to her fellow veterans is powerful: advocate for your health, seek care early, and don’t hesitate to trust VA’s expertise. “Life doesn’t always take you where you plan,” Hughes shared.
Innovations in VA Cancer Care
The VA continues to advance gynecologic cancer care through partnerships and research. Their collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) enhances understanding of cancer trends in veterans, while the new Center for Oncology Outcomes Review and Gender Equity (COURAGE) program addresses gender disparities in care. The VA also offers a high-risk breast clinic and genetic counseling to help prevent cancer in veterans at greater risk.
As we honor veterans, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering best-in-class cancer care. Veterans like Eleanor Hughes inspire us to ensure every veteran receives the care they have earned and deserve.
Haley Moss, MD, MBA, serves as the Director of the Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence. She cares for patients at the Durham VA, as well as veterans across the country through the National TeleOncology. To learn more about VA cancer care, including the Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence, view Cancer Allies or visit cancer.va.gov.
If you are caring for a Veteran and would like to collaborate to improve care coordination, please do not hesitate to reach out to haley.moss1@va.org or contact BGSoE@va.gov.