Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What Seniors in Chattanooga Should Know
This October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Chattanooga, TN. It's a time for people to come together, raise awareness about breast cancer, and support survivors of this disease. Some even wear pink to mark the month.
If you are a senior in Chattanooga, it's important that you understand the age-related risks of breast cancer and how to lower those risks. October is the perfect time to do that, so embrace senior health education and discover how to protect yourself and get involved in supporting others during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Why Is October Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Each October, breast cancer charities, survivors, and those living with the disease come together to raise awareness of the condition.
It's a campaign that's spread around the globe from as early as the 1980s, and known throughout as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many use this time to wear pink as a visible symbol of their support.
The purpose of raising awareness about breast cancer is simple.
It reduces the stigma of this cancer and encourages women to get screened to improve early detection and survival rates. It can also be an opportunity to educate women about the risks of breast cancer and some of the symptoms to monitor.
Breast Cancer in Seniors: Understanding the Risks
Breast cancer is more prevalent in older adults, and the risk increases after you reach 60. It means that your approach to breast cancer screening might need to change once you reach your senior years.
There is good news: Treatments are more advanced, and screenings and tests are more sophisticated and effective.
Routine mammograms and maintaining good overall health are crucial in protecting you against the risk of cancer. It also means earlier detection of any cancer cells, leaving you with potentially less invasive and complex treatment. That's why it's essential to understand how breast cancer can affect you as an older adult.
Who Is Likely to Have Breast Cancer?
None of us can predict cancer, and it often comes as a shock to receive a diagnosis, especially if you are in excellent health. While there is still much we don't know about why cells mutate and develop into tumors, there are some known risk factors. This includes:
- BRCA genetic mutations (inherited breast cancer)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Being overweight and having a poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Hormone influences
- Reproductive history
It's vital to speak with your healthcare professional, as they can review your health profile and lifestyle factors to provide an assessment of your risk. If you have a higher risk, they may suggest when to begin regular screening.
Early Detection of Breast Cancer: What It Means
Cancer cells begin to grow years before they are detectable.
In those early stages, small cell changes and tumors can be easier to treat, and often involve less invasive medicine. It also increases the chance of a full recovery from cancer. That's why early detection is vital for anyone worried about cancer.
For most people, regular screenings mean mammograms, although you can also carry out checks on your breasts at home in the shower. During breast cancer awareness month, you can join educational talks in Chattanooga where healthcare providers will explain how to check your breasts properly.
If you have a family history of the disease, especially with immediate female family members like your mom or sister, you can also speak to your doctor about genetic testing.
How to Get Involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Chattanooga
If you are in a senior living community in Chattanooga, find out if they have any events on in October to help raise awareness of breast cancer.
You could get involved as an organizer, raising money for charity or setting up an educational seminar on the topic of breast cancer screening. Alternatively, you may be interested in learning more about the disease via Chattanooga senior resources and connecting with your community to address some of your pressing questions.
Participating in Breast Cancer Awareness Month doesn't have to mean grand gestures. You can show your support through a small financial donation or even by wearing the color pink.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about breast cancer prevention or the disease, read on. We are here to answer your most common concerns.
What Are the Common Signs of Breast Cancer?
The most common sign of breast cancer is a new, hard lump under the skin around the breast.
However, while this is a well-known symptom, don't overlook other essential breast changes that could indicate early breast cancer. That includes changes to the nipple, discharge, skin dimpling, or changes to the shape or size of your breast.
Can Lifestyle Changes Reduce My Risk of Breast Cancer?
Lifestyle changes (like healthy eating or quitting smoking) are an excellent way to improve your overall health. They also play a role in protecting you from chronic disease and certain cancers.
Numerous factors can cause cancer, some of which scientists don't know too much about yet, so lifestyle choices don't eliminate your risk. Still, they are certainly a sensible and proactive way to lower your risk.
How Often Should Seniors Get Mammograms?
When you reach the age of 60, you should be getting regular mammograms, though many women begin after the age of 50. It's standard practice to attend a screening every one to two years, depending on your individual risk factors. Your doctor will be able to advise on that.
Breast Cancer: Awareness for Older Adults
Staying in good health is probably one of your goals for your retirement, and that begins with education. Use Breast Cancer Awareness Month to understand how to take a proactive approach to your body and lower your risk of this disease.
This is also the ideal time to think about your future and how you want to embrace retirement. From beautiful, green surroundings to a social and recreational program, you'll find Signal Mountain Senior Living has all you need for assisted living wellness and memory care support. Schedule a tour of our community to find out what we offer retirees.