|
a newsletter designed to keep you informed of VA services, upcoming events and any other newsworthy information.
Thank you to everyone who joined and participated in our virtual town hall and our February focus group. There is still time to register if you want to participate in the April 28 focus group. This is an opportunity to share your feedback about how the health care environment impacts your care. Register by calling the Women Veterans Program at 602-277-5551 Ext. 6764.
In February, we raised awareness about heart disease in women, which is the number one cause of death in women. In case you missed the activities you can do to help control your risk factors, visit https://www.youtube.com/@PhxVAHealthcare to learn more about what you can do to take control of your health.
As we enter the most beautiful time of year in Arizona, please also be mindful of your sun exposure. Arizona has one of the nation’s highest rates of melanoma; using sunscreen regularly will help protect you from all forms of skin cancer.
With gratitude,
Kristen Nordquist, LCSW
Women Veterans Program Manager
Megan Giblin, LCSW
Assistant Women Veterans Program Manager
Thank you to everyone who participated in the March 19th tele-town hall and responded to our poll questions! For those of you who could not attend the live event, you can view the recording on the Phoenix VA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PhxVAHealthcare/. You do not need a Facebook account to view the recording.
Below are the results of the poll questions that were asked during the town hall.
The PVAHCS has volunteered to participate in the Menopause Veteran Feedback Project. This is a project coordinated through the Women’s Health Practice-Based Research Network and is an electronic, voluntary survey, available to women aged 35 and older. For patients visiting the gynecology clinic at the Carl T. Hayden VAMC from April 1 - 29, please look out for the survey link. The feedback that is received from this survey will be used to help inform national planning efforts related to menopause care.
|
 |
 We also asked how you prefer to receive information about services available to women Veterans. Fifty-five percent of respondents reported electronic options as the preferred method.
Lastly, we asked which topic you want to hear about during our next town hall. The top three options selected were: healthy aging, musculoskeletal conditions, and adaptive sports. We apologize we were unable to share information during the town hall on VA research opportunities for women. We are planning to present this information during the spring town hall, as permitted.
Contributed by Researchers at VA Puget Sound and the National Office of Women’s Health
MyPath is a new online resource for Veterans to help you find information on birth control, fertility, preparing for a healthy pregnancy, and using the information to help you be prepared to speak with your health care team. To speak with your health care provider or make an appointment, call: 602-222-6550 Option 2, then 2.
Visit womenshealth.va.gov for more information on birth control options.
Thank you to the Military Women’s Memorial for allowing us to share the content below
The mission of the Military Women’s Memorial is to honor and tell the stories of women, past and present, who serve our nation. The Military Women’s Memorial - the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service - educates and inspires through innovative and interactive exhibitions, world-class collections, and engaging programs and events for all generations.
The Memorial & Education Center:
- Was authorized by Congress in 1986
- Is the ONLY National Memorial honoring all military servicewomen
- Was built with private donations
- Stands at the Ceremonial Entrance to Arlington National Cemetery
- It is free to share your HERstory
Scan the QR code below to register and create your account or visit https://womensmemorial.org to learn more and create an account and register your HERstory.
Colon cancer screening is potentially lifesaving and worth it… especially because 90% of colon cancers are preventable with routine screening and a healthy lifestyle. Yet, many women avoid screening due to misunderstandings or hesitations—so, here are 5 myths you can put to rest.
-
Myth 1: “I’m healthy, so I don’t need screening.” Even if you’re in great shape, colon cancer can develop silently. Most colon cancers start as small growths called polyps, which don’t usually cause symptoms. Regular screening can detect and remove these polyps before they turn cancerous. The earlier colon cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat—and the better your chances for a full recovery.
Veteran Fact: VA recommends that women Veterans start screening at age 45, even if you feel fine and have no symptoms. If you have risk factors like a family history of colon cancer, your VA health care provider may suggest starting earlier.
-
Myth 2: “Screening is embarrassing and uncomfortable.” We get it. No one looks forward to a medical test, especially a colonoscopy. But taking care of your health is not embarrassing. At VA, your comfort and dignity are our priorities. Your health care team will walk you through every step, answering questions and addressing concerns to ensure you feel safe and respected. Plus, you don’t always need a colonoscopy right away—some patients may be able to take at-home option called the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which checks for hidden blood in your stool.
Veteran Fact: Talk with your VA provider about your risk and the appropriate screening method for you. VA will support you at every step.
-
Myth 3: “Colon cancer isn’t a concern for younger women.” While age is the biggest risk factor, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women under 50. Risk factors like family history, obesity, drinking alcohol, smoking, and even your racial or ethnic background can increase your chances of developing it earlier.
Veteran Fact: Screening may not just be for older women. Women Veterans of all ages should discuss their risk factors with their VA provider to determine the right screening schedule and test.
-
Myth 4: “I’ll know if something’s wrong.” Colon cancer often develops without symptoms. By the time signs appear—such as blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or persistent abdominal pain—the cancer may already be advanced.
Veteran Fact: Regular screenings catch concerns early, often before symptoms arise. Early detection saves lives.
-
Myth 5: “Screening is painful.” Screening may feel uncomfortable, but anesthesia is used to minimize any discomfort. Your VA health care team will walk you through every step and answer any questions regarding preparation for the procedure, what happens during the screening, and recovery. Additionally, with the at-home FIT, screening could be a breeze!
Veteran Fact: Enduring a little discomfort through screening now could prevent major health concerns and distress in the future.
Get Screened at VA
VA is committed to making colon cancer screening accessible and comfortable for women Veterans. Whether you’re ready for a colonoscopy or starting with a FIT, VA is here to help you take control of your health. Discuss your risk for colon cancer with your VA health care provider to determine the best timing and screening test for you. To learn more about screening at VA, visit the VA Women’s Health Colonoscopy page.
- If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, or not sure when to start colon cancer screenings, speak to your VA primary care provider by calling 602-222-6550 option 2, option 2.
 The Women Veterans Program is hosting a focus group on April 28 to obtain your feedback about how the VA environment impacts your health care experience. Registration is required. Please register by calling the Women Veterans Program at 602-277-5551 Ext. 6764.
 Phoenix VA has an outpatient optical shop at the Phoenix 32nd Street VA Clinic. Open to Veterans and their families with 25% discounts and a variety of free frames and lenses. Bring in your prescriptions, as long as they are less than 1-year old, and their opticians will help you out.
 |
