The SERVICE Act, signed into law June 7, 2022, expands breast cancer screening eligibility for veterans with toxic exposure history, and it collaborates with the Department of Defense to identify additional toxic exposure locations, providing enhanced services for eligible veterans.

“VA is committed to providing state of the art breast cancer services to all eligible veterans. Through the SERVICE Act, we honor Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas and other veterans whose service to our nation may have exposed them to life-threatening toxins,” Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said in a July 28 news release.

The Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans in Combat Environment (SERVICE) Act extends breast cancer screening eligibility for veterans, the release reported. It aims to advance research on the relationship between exposures to environmental toxins and the development of breast cancer. 

Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas, a Marine Corps Veteran and public health professional who battled breast cancer, inspired the legislation, according to the release.

The SERVICE Act allows the VA to expand breast cancer risk assessments and mammograms to women Veterans with toxic exposure history. The release said the VA will collaborate with the Department of Defense to identify additional toxic exposure locations and periods of service, broadening eligibility for these services.

In addition to the SERVICE Act, there's also the MAMMO Act, supporting breast cancer screening and mammography access for veterans, especially those in rural areas or with specific medical conditions. According to the release, the Act also includes a Tele-screening Mammography Pilot using Telehealth technology. The VA follows American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer screening and offers on-site mammograms at more than 70 facilities and community locations.