“I never let breast cancer disable me.” April 15, 2026

https://news.va.gov/146174/i-never-let-breast-cancer-disable-me/ Navy Veteran diagnosed at 31 speaks candidly Heather Elliott was 31 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, nearly three decades younger than the average age of diagnosis in the United States. Genetic testing showed no hereditary link, and with no family history to explain it, Elliott sought answers elsewhere. Years later, the possibility that toxic exposures during her deployment to the Gulf region may have played a role was considered. Finally, under the PACT Act, her breast cancer became recognized as service connected.