Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more important for seniors than any other vulnerable demographic. With the majority of breast cancer cases being diagnosed in senior women, it is crucial to know the signs and spread awareness of this deadly disease.
Did you know that a woman receives a life-changing diagnosis of breast cancer around once every two minutes? For senior women in Houston, TX, the earth-shattering news can feel like walking a tightrope between life and death.
Today, we're exploring the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, how to celebrate it respectfully, and some of the primary causes and symptoms of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month occurs annually, during the month of October. The symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a pink ribbon, which is easy to identify.
The campaign for breast cancer awareness extends far beyond the United States, according to Breastcancer.org. Advocates for breast cancer diagnosis and prevention can participate in many special events that happen during October.
Breast Cancer Awareness month continues its mission of providing education. In fact, there has been a market decrease in breast cancer deaths in the U.S. due to awareness and prevention tactics.
It is important to be respectful of cancer survivors and their families during this time. Many of the most ardent volunteers have suffered the unimaginable or watched a loved one endure similar circumstances.
Wear a pink ribbon to publicly show your support, but do not push information on people who are not ready to receive it. Be extra careful with your language when attending events; you never know who you may be talking to, along with their connection to the cause.
Raise funds for charities that you care about that support breast cancer research initiatives. If you are unsure where your money is going, browse the foundation or charity's website. Legally, nonprofits are required to post audited financials annually for investors to view.
There is no definite cause of breast cancer, but many different factors can increase your risk of developing it, such as:
Personal wellness does not just involve visiting the doctor for regular mammograms and breast cancer screenings; you should check your own body more often than that for potential signs of breast cancer.
If you never learned how to conduct a breast self-exam, here are some key tips to remember:
If you see or feel anything concerning, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Even if you just received a mammogram or a breast ultrasound, it is still important to undergo a checkup to catch any cancerous cells early in the process.
Although mammogram technology can detect most cases of breast cancer, sometimes smaller tumors are missed due to dense breast tissue and other minute issues.
The most common type of breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). It accounts for approximately 80% of all diagnosed cases of breast cancer.
IDC begins to grow in the cells surrounding the milk ducts, then spreads outwards. After spreading through the milk ducts, the cancerous cells then invade the surrounding breast tissue before attacking the lymph nodes and spreading throughout the body.
Some of the symptoms of IDC include:
Yes. Although men account for very few cases of breast cancer, they can develop tumors in their breast tissue. Treatment methods and prognoses are similar to breast cancer in women.
Men may not be aware of the risk of breast cancer, which heightens the chances of missing early signs.
Sharing personal stories can be impactful. If you have a personal connection to breast cancer, voice your story if you feel comfortable doing so. Many people will better receive a message if there is a direct connection, rather than viewing it through a third-party lens.
If you are savvy with social media, consider joining a local group that advocates for breast cancer awareness. Or, you can volunteer with a nonprofit organization and manage their social media content to bring in an even larger audience.
Stay informed about local events that support breast cancer awareness and attend in person to connect with others in your community. Attend support groups in your senior living community to hear about others' personal experiences with breast cancer.
For seniors, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is especially important. With this guide, you can equip yourself with the knowledge of what to look for and how to inform others about breast cancer awareness.
At Copperfield Estates Senior Living, our team is dedicated to health education in retirement. Through exclusive programs that emphasize a healthy diet and exercise for our residents, we strive to help maintain men's and women's health in aging.
Are you interested in learning more about breast cancer info for older adults and cancer prevention tips? Reach out to us today to inquire about moving into Copperfield Estates, or visit our beautiful location in Houston, TX, to see it in person. We can't wait to meet you!