Each year, approximately 220,000 women get diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer among women worldwide. This equates to one in eight women being diagnosed at some point in their lives with this disease. Seniors often face other health challenges such as arthritis, diabetes and mental health decline, and can often overlook this widespread disease. Most cases of this type of cancer occur between the ages of 45 to 85. Early prevention and treatment are critical in saving lives.
What is Cancer?
Cells throughout the body normally grow and divide; however, when a cell develops abnormally and begins to divide and multiply in an uncontrolled fashion, a mass results. This mass, or tumor, can be benign or malignant. When a malignant mass grows inside of the breast, the result is cancer of the breast.
Early Detection
Detecting and treating cancer while it’s in the early stages is key in saving lives. When caught during the early stages, 98.5 percent of women are alive five years after diagnosis. A monthly self-exam should be done on the breasts, with any changes being discussed with a doctor. A yearly clinical exam should be done by a gynecologist to check for any changes in the breast as well. After the age of 50, women should get a mammogram to screen for cancer in the breasts every two years. Seniors and family should arrange with their in-home care facilitator to ensure that these exams are taking place.
Prevention
Although there is no guaranteed prevention against cancer, there are things that can be done to lower the risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a proper diet and getting plenty of exercise all have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. Those who have a family history of cancer in the breast can get tested in order to check for genetic mutations that may cause abnormal cell growth to begin.
Breast Cancer Awareness
October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness month. During this month, many individuals and organizations work hard to raise money for cancer research, help to fund mammograms and raise awareness about early detection. There are many ways to get involved in raising awareness for this cancer. Click here to visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation for more facts, resources, and prevention tips.
Advancements in diagnosing cancer, as well as better treatment options, have gradually lowered the percentage of those diagnosed with cancer, as well as increasing the number of lives that are saved. Raising awareness throughout October, as well as the rest of the year, will help more individuals to be aware of the disease and could potentially save lives.
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