Breast Cancer Awareness Month is vital for spreading education and awareness about breast cancer. For seniors in North Richland Hills, TX, Breast Cancer Awareness Month can include health tips for older adults and assisted living wellness guides.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, a woman receives a life-shattering diagnosis of breast cancer every two minutes. In fact, a staggering one in eight women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime, making it one of the leading illnesses in the United States.
In this article, we will explore Breast Cancer Awareness Month, its significance, and how seniors can take action steps for early detection and prevention.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month occurs in October. The goals of Breast Cancer Awareness Month include:
The iconic pink ribbon, universally recognized as a symbol for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, has represented the movement since the 1990s. The motif has evolved over the years, with various color schemes representing the different types of breast cancer.
The ribbon is meant to symbolize hope and spread awareness. With a unified message and a symbol such as a ribbon, breast cancer awareness can reach more people.
Cancer terminology can be complex and difficult to understand, so it is important to know the different types of breast cancer. Some of the variations include:
Perform a breast exam on yourself at least once a month in addition to regular checkups and mammograms. Here are some tips to help you identify any potential issues:
If you see or feel anything that is out of the ordinary, contact your doctor immediately. Taking extra precautions for potentially benign symptoms is better than ignoring signs of cancer and risking a late-stage diagnosis.
Although breast cancer is far more prevalent in women, men can also receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Men's breast tissue can develop cancer cells that have similar symptoms.
Some cancer risk factors for men include high levels of estrogen and the BRCA gene. Diagnosis and treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, which are similar to the treatments that women undergo.
For men, survival rates are significantly higher with early detection of localized tumors. The Mayo Clinic reports that older men are more likely to develop breast cancer, similar to older women.
Anyone can get breast cancer, but certain factors may increase your chances of developing it.These include:
The likelihood of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis drastically increases with age. Women over 50 are much more likely to develop cancer than younger women (City of Hope), highlighting the importance of regular checkups, self-exams, and mammograms for early detection and treatment.
Dense breast tissue can make detection even more difficult. Mammograms may not always catch tumors in the earlier stages if you have thicker breast cancer, so you may need to have mammograms more often as a result.
With the many changes occurring in women's bodies during and after menopause, determining what is normal and what is unusual can be challenging. If you are concerned about any symptoms, it is always best to consult your doctor.
Like many other types of cancers, breast cancer has a much higher survival rate when caught in the localized stage. If a tumor is confined to the breast without spreading to other areas, such as lymph nodes, it is easier to treat.
Cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, can be harsh. The chemicals required to shrink tumors can wreak havoc on both your physical and mental health.
Early detection may mean less invasive treatments. For example, cancer that has spread to other parts of your body may require harsher chemotherapy medication, while a localized tumor might not require the same formula.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a wonderful opportunity to educate those around you about the impact and risks associated with breast cancer. With this guide, you can make informed healthcare decisions and equip yourself with essential knowledge regarding breast cancer.
At Morada North Richland Hills, we take the health and well-being of our residents seriously. With exclusive programs aimed at senior wellness, such as nutritious, chef-prepared meals and senior-oriented fitness classes, we support our residents through their retirement years.
Are you ready to transition to assisted living? Contact us today to learn more about all that our beautiful community has to offer, or visit us in North Richland Hills, TX, to see it in person. We can't wait to meet you!