Question: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Does the Department of Veterans Affairs promote this type of cancer awareness for its veterans?

Answer: The chance that a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancel over her lifetime is 1 in 8. However, many men are diagnosed with breast cancer, too. The VA continues conducting research into breast cancer to discover potential causes and to develop better diagnostics and treatments for this disease. Mammograms every year for women aged 40 to 70, especially for high-risk women who have had a first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer, are encouraged in order to help detect breast cancer at the earliest and most treatable stages. However, a VA study urges discreet use of mammograms for women older than 70, as the radiation exposure from mammograms could outweigh the potential benefits for elderly women in very poor health. For further information, contact the VA Medical Center at 433-0600.

Q: What are confidential communications and how do I request this service?

A: It is VA's policy that all patients have a right to receive written communication or correspondence pertaining to health information in a confidential manner by alternative means or at an alternative location other than the patient's permanent address of record. Once the veteran requests this service, all future correspondence and communication will be sent to the alternative address. In addition, the veteran must specify a start date for use of the confidential address and may also request a date when the use of this address should end. To request this service, contact the VA Medical Center at 433-0600.