Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Boca Raton Senior Living
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to learn how to recognize the symptoms and lower your risk for this common cancer. Susan G. Komen reports that the rates of breast cancer are highest for women over age 70, so breast cancer education for seniors is essential.
Boca Raton has one of the largest cancer centers in South Florida and a quality of life that supports your holistic well-being.
Healthy aging and awareness of breast cancer go hand in hand. Learn more about breast cancer detection and prevention as part of this year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
What Are the Signs of Breast Cancer in Seniors?
The signs of breast cancer are generally the same for seniors as for younger people. Common symptoms include:
- Lump in the breast or underarm
- Changes in the nipple, such as discharge, inversion, or dry and flaky skin
- Breast pain or discomfort
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
These symptoms can result from non-cancerous conditions as well. If you or a loved one has any potential signs of breast cancer, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
How to Detect Early Signs of Breast Cancer
Treatment for breast cancer is more likely to be successful when the cancer is detected early. The two most important early detection tips for women are:
- Get regular screening mammograms
- Do a breast self-exam monthly
Men typically don't need regular mammograms unless they're at a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer.
Mammograms
Mammography takes an X-ray of the breast. A mammogram can find cancer when it's still too small to cause symptoms. It's a key part of women's health in aging.
Experts differ on whether women aged 40-74, who aren't at an elevated risk of breast cancer, should get a mammogram every year or every two years. Talk with your healthcare provider about which option is best for you.
Screening guidelines stop at age 74, but you can ask your doctor if you would benefit from continuing to have regular mammograms.
Breast Self-Exams
Breast self-exams are an important tool for noticing changes that could be signs of cancer. Normal age-related changes can make self-exams more challenging. Tips for performing a self-exam on older adults include:
- Stand or sit in front of a well-lit mirror to look for visual signs of cancer
- Raise one arm as high as possible to check the breast and underarm for changes to the skin
- Choose a comfortable location when looking for changes, like lying on a bed or sitting in a chair
If you notice any changes to your breasts during a self-exam, contact your doctor to schedule a clinical exam or mammogram.
What Are Five Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer?
The factors that cause breast cancer aren't fully understood. However, you can take steps to lower your risk of developing cancer with senior wellness in Boca Raton.
1. Get Active
Many studies have shown that being physically active can lower your risk of developing breast cancer, as reported by breastcancer.org. Even moderate levels of exercise can have a protective effect.
Physical activity can reduce the side effects of cancer treatment and lower the risk of cancer coming back. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best exercise options for you.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in seniors. Ask your doctor if your weight is healthy.
If it is, take steps to stay there. If losing weight would be healthier, your doctor can suggest ways to reach your goal weight.
3. Avoid Alcohol
Avoiding alcohol can lower your risk of breast cancer. A study published in Current Breast Cancer Reports found that women who have three or four drinks a day have a 32% higher chance of developing breast cancer. Even women who drink an average of less than one drink per day have a 5% higher breast cancer risk.
4. Stop Smoking
Quitting smoking can lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Avoiding secondhand smoke is also beneficial. Resources are available to help you or a loved one quit smoking.
5. Medication or Surgery
If you have a high risk of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your risk. Medication prevents estrogen from fueling the growth of cancer cells in breast tissue.
Women with a very high risk of developing breast cancer may choose to have their breasts or ovaries surgically removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Official Breast Cancer Day?
October 13 is recognized in the U.S. as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. It falls during the month of October, which has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month since 1985.
Why Is October a Pink Month?
The color pink has been associated with breast cancer awareness since the early 1990s. Several origin stories exist, but all versions of the story agree that Self magazine used a pink ribbon as part of their 1992 October Breast Cancer Awareness edition and popularized it in partnership with cosmetics companies like Estée Lauder.
How to Get Involved With Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
You can support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Boca Raton in a variety of ways, including:
- Join the Making Strides of Palm Beach County walk on October 25
- Donate to breast cancer research
- Get up-to-date on breast cancer screening guidelines
- Organize a hat, slipper, or scarf drive for patients at one of the cancer centers in Boca Raton
Any support you provide will make an impact.
Make a Difference During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to focus on your own health while also advocating for others. Knowing the signs of breast cancer in older adults and getting screened regularly are key. You can take action to lower your risk of developing cancer or having a recurrence.
Whether you want to organize a sock drive, schedule a mammogram, or get more physical activity, the caring team at Veranda Club is here to support you. Our independent living and assisted living residents benefit from an inviting array of activities. You can stay on track to meet your wellness goals with our Dimensions Health and Fitness and Sensations dining programs.
Schedule a tour of Veranda Club today to see firsthand how we can give you the quality of life you've been waiting for.