U.S. Senate passes act to promote breast screening for veterans

The U.S. Senate has passed the Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act (the MAMMO Act), a bill drawn up to expand mammography screenings for disabled female veterans.

The legislation, which now awaits further action in the House of Representatives, directs the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to evaluate its mammography services for disabled female veterans and ensure community-based providers who receive VA patients have accessible equipment and are informed on best practices for screening paralyzed and disabled veterans.

The group Paralyzed Veterans of America applauded the Senate for moving the bill forward, noting that women in uniform are more likely to receive a breast cancer diagnosis than their civilian counterparts.

"Regardless of their mobility capabilities, no one should have to worry if they received an insufficient exam or worse, no exam at all due to a lack of accessible medical equipment," said Paralyzed Veterans of America National Vice President Tammy Jones, in a news release.

The MAMMO Act would require the VA to improve breast cancer screening technology at all VA facilities, develop a strategic plan for breast imaging services, and collaborate with the U.S. Department of Defense on breast cancer treatment and research.

In addition, the legislation would create a telemammography pilot program for veterans in remote areas with limited access to VA facilities, upgrade and utilize 3D imaging to ensure fewer false positives and repeat scans, and improve the VA's partnerships with the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

"We now urge the House to pass this bill and end the unnecessary worry women veterans with mobility disabilities have concerning their health," Jones said.