For many Veterans, navigating the risks associated with a family history of breast cancer can be a daunting experience. The fear of a potential diagnosis, especially when multiple family members have battled the disease, is a heavy burden. That’s why the Department of Veterans Affairs’ High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic is making such a meaningful difference. This initiative offers proactive, personalized care for Veterans who are at increased risk, helping to ease anxieties and provide clarity through early detection and genetic testing.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, and according to the VA, approximately 1,200 Veterans enrolled in VA care are diagnosed with it each year. Early detection is key, and the VA is working to ensure that Veterans at higher risk receive the screenings and support they need. One such Veteran, Kristie Sudderth, an Army Veteran and nurse administrator, understands the importance of vigilance. With a strong maternal family history of breast cancer, Sudderth was already undergoing mammograms and breast MRIs every six months through VA community care. Her story highlights how specialized resources like the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic can offer not only medical guidance but also peace of mind.

Sudderth learned about the High-Risk Breast Clinic through her VA primary care provider, Dr. Megan Chandler. The clinic is designed for Veterans who do not currently have a breast cancer diagnosis but are considered high-risk due to family history or genetic factors. These virtual clinics connect patients with providers who specialize in assessing and managing elevated risk. Sudderth’s consultation with Sarah Collins, a nurse practitioner at the clinic, proved to be a pivotal moment in her care journey.

“Sarah just laid out worst-case, best-case, and everything in between,” Sudderth shared. “I did not feel rushed, as if she was waiting for that next appointment after mine. Sarah was completely locked into me and my unique situation.” This personalized attention is a hallmark of the clinic’s approach, recognizing that no two patients are alike. I found this detail striking, as it underscores the importance of individualized care in reducing fear and uncertainty.

One of the key services offered through the clinic is genetic testing. Although Sudderth had undergone a genetic test through a private company five years prior, she was unable to retrieve the results after the company shut down. She also questioned the accuracy of the initial test. Collins explained that genetic testing has advanced considerably, and the VA’s National Precision Oncology Program now screens for a broader range of gene mutations associated with breast cancer.

Sudderth received a prepaid mail-in kit at her home in Washington state, submitted a saliva sample, and awaited the results. A few weeks later, she met again with Collins to review the outcome: her test was negative. This result significantly reduced her risk profile and meant she no longer needed semiannual screenings. Instead, an annual mammogram would suffice. “I bought a lottery ticket that day,” Sudderth said. “It didn’t work, but I won the bigger lotto. I am not a ticking time bomb.”

While a negative genetic test result does not eliminate the risk of breast cancer entirely, it provides a clearer picture and allows for more tailored care plans. For Sudderth, this meant fewer invasive procedures and a renewed sense of control over her health. The clinic’s role in delivering this clarity cannot be overstated, particularly for Veterans who may already be managing other complex health issues.

Sudderth’s experience is not unique. In the comments section of the VA article, another Veteran, Brenda Jamison, expressed her gratitude to the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center. After visiting the new breast clinic in early 2025, technicians identified an abnormality that led to a diagnosis of stage 1 breast cancer. Thanks to prompt follow-up care, including surgery and radiation, Jamison was able to begin treatment early. Her story echoes the clinic’s broader mission: to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.

These accounts illustrate the value of the VA’s High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic in both early detection and emotional reassurance. For Veterans with a family history of breast cancer, the clinic offers not just screenings and genetic testing but also a compassionate, individualized approach that addresses each patient’s unique concerns. The integration of virtual consultations, advanced testing, and personalized follow-up care reflects a modern, Veteran-centered model of healthcare.

For those who may be at higher risk due to family history or other factors, speaking with a VA provider about a referral to the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic could be an important next step. The clinic is a testament to the VA’s commitment to proactive, preventive care and to supporting Veterans through every stage of their health journey.

To learn more about eligibility and how to apply for VA health care benefits, Veterans are encouraged to reach out through VA.gov or by calling 1-800-698-2411. For those already enrolled in VA care, a conversation with a primary care provider can open the door to specialized services like the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic—potentially changing the course of their health for the better.

Read more at news.va.gov