Breast cancer awareness is crucial for seniors, as the risks of a breast cancer diagnosis increase as you age, and women have a one in eight chance of developing it. While it's essential to check for symptoms like lumps around the breast tissue, the most important step to take at an older age is to attend regular screenings for a mammogram.
In this guide, we'll explore what breast cancer awareness means for seniors living in a retirement community in Kingwood, TX, how to get involved in educational and awareness events, and what you need to know about breast cancer risks in your senior years.
While many factors can increase the risk of breast cancer, age is one of the most significant. That's why awareness about breast cancer is crucial for the senior population. For seniors in independent living, educational seminars and events such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month are a good way to ensure older adults feel more empowered about their health.
So why does age matter? It's down to cell changes. Cancer happens because cells mutate, and these cell changes are more likely as your body ages.
The other risk to seniors is that cancer treatment can be more complex if that individual has other chronic health conditions. That's why early detection is vital, as that can sometimes mean quicker and less invasive treatment.
Every October, the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which serves several purposes. It offers:
You can observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by wearing pink, donating money, or participating in awareness events. If you are a senior living in a community in Kingwood, Texas, October is also an ideal time to learn more about the symptoms and risks of this disease, as well as the importance of screening for early detection.
Early detection of breast cancer improves outcomes and means less invasive treatment.
The most effective way to detect cancer before it's noticeable as a lump in the breast tissue is via a mammogram. These scans find tumors when they are still minuscule, and they give doctors a higher chance of treating you.
If you are a senior in Kingwood, Texas, consult with your healthcare provider to schedule a mammogram. Many women start after the age of 50, and you must have these scans from age 60 onward, as that is when your risk of cancer rises.
A healthcare professional can also assess your individual risk factors, such as whether you have a family history of breast cancer.
As you reach your senior years, you might worry about the increasing odds of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. While there are still factors we don't know about, when it comes to causes, there are simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk. Here are five you can adopt:
These are lifestyle changes, so they should go hand-in-hand with regular screening. Even if you are fit and healthy, getting a mammogram is still essential in your senior years.
Health and wellness intertwine with everything we do here at Cypress Woods Senior Living.
Our senior living community offers regular exercise programs and nutritious meal plans to help seniors maintain optimal health and protect their bodies from age-related conditions.
Cypress Woods' holistic approach to well-being means that residents will also find educational programs and talks available on-site. Speak to staff about arranging cancer prevention education seminars to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
It's normal to have a lot of questions about breast cancer, whether you are worried about your risks or want to understand prevention strategies. Here are some of your most pressing questions, answered.
As we age, our body's ability to handle DNA repair becomes less effective. It's this repair process that protects cells from mutating and causing cancer tumors.
When you are over the age of 60, it's essential to manage these age-related risks through lifestyle changes and health screenings, including for breast cancer.
Yes, men can get breast cancer, and, as for women, this risk increases with age. However, breast cancer is less common among men because they don't have as much breast tissue.
While men won't undergo screenings like mammograms, they can still make sensible lifestyle choices as well as regularly check for lumps and changes around the breast tissue. Early detection of breast cancer is as beneficial to men as it is to women.
The most significant positive impact you can have on your health in your senior years is to stay active.
Not only will this help protect you against disease, but it will keep you more mobile and full of energy. Plus, regular exercise combined with sensible food choices will help you maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for senior health, especially in the fight against cancer.
At Cypress Woods, our talented team of chefs provides a variety of nutritious meals daily to help you meet your health goals, and exercise classes are always available on-site for you to join.
Breast cancer awareness is about understanding the risks of this disease and knowing the simple, practical steps you can take today, such as attending screenings.
At Cypress Woods Sky Active Living, we put seniors' health and wellness first. Whether that's through our on-site exercise program, health education in retirement, or nutritious meals, we make it easy for you to reach your health goals. Schedule a tour today to discover our community first-hand.