Empowering Veterans Through VA’s Gynecologic Cancer Care | 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 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.

Services

  • Breast and gynecologic oncology services for veterans who would have previously been referred to the community for medical management of these diagnoses.
  • A navigation support system for veterans, particularly those who need to travel to multiple facilities to receive care.
  • A quality dashboard to assess whether veterans receiving care at both VHA and non-VHA facilities are receiving evidence-based care.

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.

Educational Materials

We encourage you to review the following educational materials provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to learn more about: