With October being designated as breast cancer awareness month, it’s the perfect reminder to share information with loved ones about watching for signs of breast cancer. Women of all ages need to be proactive about monitoring these symptoms, especially since breast cancer is one of the most common cancers women face.
Aging is a big risk factor that increases the likelihood of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer. So, older women must be aware of the risk factors and signs of this disease.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
These are some of the most common risk factors that increase the likelihood of breast cancer:
· Being a woman
· You are a senior since the risk increases with age
· You had no children, or your first child was born after the age of 35
· Family history of either ovarian or breast cancer
· Previous history of breast abnormalities, such as cysts or hyperplasia
· You have dense breast tissue
Medical Diagnosis for Breast Cancer
Women can do at-home exams to check for lumps or changes in their breasts. Many breast cancer cases are first self-detected at home before a woman seeks a medical diagnosis. But it’s equally as important to have regular checkups to identify signs of breast cancer in the earliest stages.
A breast cancer diagnosis is made through these methods:
· Mammogram
· Ultrasound
· MRI
· Lab tests
· Biopsy
If you are 55 or older, then it’s recommended to have a mammogram every other year. Additionally, maintain a healthy lifestyle to lower your risk through exercise, nutritious eating, and not smoking.
Breast Cancer Treatments
It’s estimated that 40% of new breast cancer patients are over the age of 65. Doctors use specific treatment methods to destroy unhealthy cells and help each patient live a cancer-free life. The most common cancer treatments include:
· Surgery
· Chemotherapy
· Radiation
· Targeted Medicinal Therapy
· Hormone Therapy
There are potential side effects and risks to these aggressive treatments, especially for seniors who have other physical conditions. So, it’s important to talk to your doctor about treatment options and your prognosis to determine the lowest risk solution.
Thriving Lifestyle for Seniors
At Greenwald & Gerke, we help seniors enjoy the best experience possible during this stage of life. Talk to us about finding the perfect home and maintaining an ideal lifestyle in retirement: (844) 782-9674.
