Housing Stability Enhances Cancer Screening Rates Among Homeless Veterans

A recent study published in The Annals of Family Medicine highlights the positive impact of stable housing on health maintenance among veterans experiencing homelessness. Researchers examined data spanning ten years from the Veterans Health Administration (2011–2021) to determine whether securing housing increases the likelihood of veterans receiving crucial cancer screenings, particularly for colorectal and breast cancer.

The study focused on veterans aged 50 to 75 who were overdue for these screenings at their initial VA clinic visit. The team followed their housing status over the subsequent 24 months, comparing those who gained housing with those who remained homeless. Adjustments were made for various factors such as age, health conditions, and the specific VA facilities involved.

Results revealed that nearly half of the veterans in both cohorts (approximately 49% of the colorectal screening group and 47.5% of the breast cancer screening group) moved into housing within the two-year period. Significantly, veterans who secured housing showed higher rates of undergoing both colorectal and breast cancer screenings compared to their counterparts who continued experiencing homelessness.

The findings suggest that gaining stable housing enhances access to healthcare services, improves communication with providers, and reduces external vulnerabilities like encampment removals or thefts that hinder health management. Ultimately, housing stability appears integral to preventive health strategies, especially for vulnerable populations such as homeless veterans.

This research underscores the importance of addressing homelessness not only as a social issue but also as a crucial factor in improving health outcomes and cancer prevention efforts among veterans.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-veterans-experiencing-homelessness-gain-housing.html