Male breast cancer ribbon (Photo: Ave Calvar Martinez)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when attention turns to early detection and treatment. This year, the VA has come under scrutiny after changing how it handles breast cancer coverage for male Veterans.
A newly obtained memo from the VA outlines that male breast cancer will no longer be presumed to be connected to military service under the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics, or PACT, act. The law, passed during the Biden administration, dramatically expanded health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances such as Agent Orange and burn pits.
Under the new policy, Veterans who are newly diagnosed must now prove that their illness was caused by military service. The VA confirmed the change, stating that as of Sept. 30, male breast cancer is no longer included on the list of presumptive conditions. Veterans already receiving treatment through the VA will continue to have their care covered.
The memo cites an executive order signed by President Donald Trump titled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. The order claims that male breasts were incorrectly categorized as reproductive organs under the PACT Act, which provides coverage for reproductive cancers.
Medical specialists have long said that male and female breast tissue share similar biological structures and that treatment methods are nearly identical. Studies have also found that breast cancer among men is more deadly because it is often detected later, and the rate of cases among Veterans is higher than in the general population.
Each year, about 100 male Veterans are diagnosed with breast cancer. While uncommon compared to women, the disease can be just as aggressive. Toxic exposure during service has been linked to several cancers, including breast cancer, through studies involving contaminated water and chemical agents.
Supporters of the PACT Act say the policy change could make it harder for Veterans to receive timely care and may reverse progress made in improving access to health benefits. They also worry it could open the door for additional rollbacks in coverage for toxic exposure–related illnesses and treatments.
The VA maintains that Veterans with male breast cancer can still receive benefits if they can show a direct connection to their military service. The department said it will continue to process claims individually. This decision has brought attention to how difficult it can be for Veterans to get care and recognition for illnesses tied to their service.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.