Army Veteran Ann Hoffman had her first mammogram at age 53, prompted by her husband’s insurance requirements. Initially resistant, she believed she didn’t need the screening since she had no symptoms or lumps. However, the results revealed breast cancer in two areas. Following a lumpectomy and a second surgery to clear margins, Hoffman’s treatment did not include chemotherapy or radiation. Remarkably, she never felt she had cancer, which she attributes to her lack of severe treatment. Shortly after her first surgery, she developed an aversion to smoking, which she had done for 41 years, and quit immediately. Now 68, she continues to face chronic health issues from her military service but has been cancer- and cigarette-free for 14 years. Hoffman emphasizes the importance of regular mammograms, stating she feels fortunate that her cancer was found early. She plans to keep getting annual screenings, acknowledging that without her first mammogram, she might have never returned for another. Hoffman, who has one daughter and is approaching her 40th wedding anniversary, encourages veterans to apply for the VA health care benefits they have earned.