Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Atlanta Senior Communities
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time of year, as it is dedicated to raising awareness around a disease that afflicts a significant number of women. Educating yourself about who can be affected by breast cancer and prevention tips can allow you to advocate for yourself and potentially save lives.
Sadly, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women in the US. The American Cancer Society reports that breast cancer makes up a stunning 30% of new female cancer diagnoses every single year.
For seniors in Atlanta, GA, breast cancer awareness is just as important as prevention. Read on to learn more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and how you can stay informed and educate others about the risks of breast cancer in seniors.
What Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month occurs annually, during the month of October. The month has many goals, including:
- Spreading awareness about conducting self-exams and catching early symptoms
- Honoring those who have lost their lives to breast cancer
- Celebrating breast cancer survivors
- Advocating for further breast cancer research to find a cure
Why Do We Wear Pink for Breast Cancer?
The color pink has been associated with breast cancer for several decades. The pink ribbon is a powerful symbol of both the prevalence of breast cancer in our society and how important it is to encourage and uplift survivors while pushing for further research.
Can Men Have Breast Cancer?
Yes, men can have breast cancer. Although breast cancer is much rarer in men, it can still manifest the same way as breast cancer in women. Due to a lack of support and other resources, breast cancer may take a further toll on the mental health of male patients.
Similar to women, senior men are more likely to develop breast cancer, as well. It is important for men to understand the warning signs and risks associated with breast cancer.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor if you see or feel anything abnormal. It is better to find a benign issue, or nothing at all, than to ignore symptoms of cancer before it is too late.
Breast Cancer Prevention Tips
Although breast cancer is not completely preventable, there are some lifestyle changes that you can make to lessen your risk. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in seniors and improve your quality of life.
Quit Smoking and Tobacco Usage
Smoking has a plethora of negative effects on health, but one of the most overlooked is that it significantly boosts your chances of developing any type of cancer, not just lung cancer. Therefore, it may be best to quit tobacco usage as soon as possible to avoid further health complications.
Get Genetic Testing
If breast cancer runs in your family, you should consider genetic testing for the BRCA gene. This gene comes in two main forms, and both are associated with a much higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. With valid concerns, the testing may be covered by your insurance policy.
Regular Mammograms and Breast Exams
Do not skip or postpone mammograms if you can help it. Regular mammograms can help your medical team catch tumors early, which could be the difference between life and death.
Perform a self-exam at least once a month. Check for symptoms such as:
- New lumps or knots
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Dimpled or rippled skin
- Pain
- Nipple discharge
- Inverted nipples
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Support a Loved One With Breast Cancer?
A breast cancer diagnosis is incredibly difficult to contend with, especially for someone unfamiliar with cancer. Your loved one will likely be undergoing intense emotions, such as:
- Fear
- Sadness
- Anger
- Grief
- Aggression
- Hopelessness
Ask your loved one how you can best support them during this time. Or, if you know them well enough, take initiative and do things on your own that will improve their quality of life.
Make them a homemade meal or purchase a gift card to their favorite restaurant. Offer to come over to their home and help with cleaning, or drive them to and from doctor's appointments. Even small tasks can seem insurmountable when undergoing cancer treatment.
Above all, respect your loved one's feelings and boundaries. Ultimately, how they cope with cancer diagnosis and treatment is up to them, so do not push if they do not want to accept the help.
Is There a Cure for Breast Cancer?
Although there is no official cure for breast cancer, ongoing research proves optimistic. Additionally, due to advancements in treatment methods, the diagnostic outlook of breast cancer is much higher, especially in the earlier stages.
A patient is considered "cured" after a certain time frame in remission. However, it is important to remember that the cancer can always come back.
Why Are Seniors More Susceptible to Breast Cancer?
Women's health and aging play significant roles in the development of breast cancer. Post-menopausal hormonal changes can activate cancer cells. Additionally, as time goes on, damaged DNA cells accumulate, heightening your risk of cancer as a senior.
Dense breast tissue can also cause an increased risk of cancer. The University of Florida reports that senior women with dense breast tissue have a much higher likelihood of cancer, especially because it may not show up on mammograms in its earlier stages.
Senior Wellness in Atlanta, GA
Both early detection education and memory care awareness programs are crucial for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and treatment. With this guide, you can feel empowered to educate those around you about the risks of breast cancer and encourage more self-exams and early diagnoses.
At Heartis Buckhead, our dedicated staff works to ensure that our residents have the highest quality of life. With exclusive programs such as chef-prepared meals with tableside service and senior-centered fitness programs, we understand that the health and wellness of our residents is vital for maintaining a thriving lifestyle in retirement.
Are you ready to discover our beautiful community in Atlanta, GA? Reach out to us today to learn more, or visit in person to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!