Why Male Veterans with Breast Cancer Face Tougher Health Care Access

The Trump administration has introduced a new policy that complicates health care access for male veterans diagnosed with breast cancer. This change, detailed in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) memo, does not rely on new scientific findings but instead references a presidential order from Trump's first day in office. The order, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, " underscores a shift in policy. The VA has confirmed that as of September 30, they no longer automatically assume a service connection for male breast cancer. This means that while veterans who already qualify for coverage can keep it, newly diagnosed veterans will face a more challenging process. They must now prove that their cancer is linked to their military service, a hurdle that has historically been difficult to overcome. Experts warn that without VA coverage, veterans may experience delays or even miss out on crucial care. Research indicates that breast cancer rates among men are rising and that the disease is more deadly for men than for women. Notably, one study found that male veterans have a higher incidence of breast cancer compared to the general population. Dr. Anita Aggarwal, a retired VA oncologist, emphasized that cancer in male veterans should be covered. She pointed out that the treatment for breast cancer in men and women is essentially the same, and research has linked the disease to toxic exposure. The new policy reverses benefits established under the PACT Act, a Biden-era law that expanded health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances like Agent Orange. Before the PACT Act, the VA frequently denied claims from veterans exposed to toxic substances. The law made it easier for veterans to qualify for benefits by presuming that certain diseases were connected to their military service. As a result, over 200, 000 veterans have qualified for coverage. However, the Trump administration's new policy removes this presumptive coverage for male breast cancer. Veterans like Jack Gelman, an 80-year-old former Navy fighter pilot, are shocked and frustrated by the change. Gelman, who was recently diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer, expressed astonishment at the new policy. Other veterans, such as Kirby Lewis, who was diagnosed with breast cancer about a dozen years ago, echoed Gelman's sentiments. Lewis, who is now Stage 4, emphasized that if toxic exposure occurs, veterans should receive care regardless of the type of cancer. The PACT Act gives administrations the discretion to cover diseases as scientific understanding evolves. Last year, the VA added three cancers, including male breast cancer, under the category of "reproductive cancer of any type. " However, the Trump administration's memo argues that this classification is incorrect, stating that the Biden Administration falsely classified male breasts as reproductive organs. A former VA official involved in the decision to cover male breast cancer last year stated that the scientific consensus among VA oncologists was clear. The evidence showed that male and female breast tissue respond similarly to toxic exposures and share nearly identical biological and mutational profiles. The official emphasized that expanding coverage to male breast cancer was the right call. Rosie Torres, an advocate for the PACT Act, criticized the current administration for putting politics above patriotism and people. She argued that the word "reproductive" should not be the focus; instead, the administration should find another category to cover male breast cancer. Torres emphasized that the policy change affects real people's lives. Despite the policy change, the VA maintains that veterans can still receive coverage if they can prove a connection between their illness and their service. The VA encourages male veterans with breast cancer to submit a disability compensation claim if they believe their health has been impacted by their military service. This policy shift comes amid broader turmoil at the VA, where tens of thousands of staffers have left due to plummeting morale and work edicts such as a return to office. Secretary Doug Collins has insisted that veterans' benefits are not being cut and that services are actually improving. However, advocates and Democrats are concerned that the rollback of presumptive coverage for male breast cancer could be a sign of wider cuts to come. House Republicans have passed a bill to cut a fund for veterans covered under the PACT Act, citing a lack of oversight. The bill has not passed in the Senate. Meanwhile, Project 2025, a conservative initiative, urges officials to roll back benefits to achieve significant cost savings. The Trump administration has not yet implemented these broader cuts, and the VA did not respond to inquiries about plans to change coverage beyond male breast cancer.