October 15, 2021 3:40 a.m.

Staff with the Roseburg VA is encouraging women veterans to get screened for breast cancer this month, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A release said breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, and is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Localized breast cancer has a 99 percent survival rate if detected early.

RVAHCS Women Veterans Program Manager Jessica Burnett said the VA encourages all woman veterans to speak with their health care providers about breast health and get checked and treated for breast cancer. She said due to COVID-19, some veterans may have missed their regularly scheduled mammogram. Burnett hopes woman will reach out to their VA health care provider and get one scheduled.

Breast care resources available through the VA include screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasound and MRI, genetic counseling and testing, cancer treatment and more. The VA recommends regular breast cancer screening for women who are age 45 and older, though some women may choose to start screening with yearly mammograms as early as age 40.

For more information, call 440-1000 extension 41326.