Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Tips for Seniors in Hillsborough

October is marked as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The prevention of breast cancer starts with practising healthy habits like staying physically active and limiting alcohol intake. Adults are encouraged to do monthly breast self-exams to monitor any significant changes in their breast tissue.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women living in America is likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The risk of breast cancer tends to increase as you age.

Hillsborough, North Carolina, is a native town known for various outdoor and indoor activities. It's a fun location for seniors to enjoy their retirement.

Let's learn some prevention steps for breast cancer and the benefits of early detection among seniors in Hillsborough.

How Can You Prevent Breast Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer makes up approximately 30% of all new female cancer cases in the United States. It mainly affects seniors and middle-aged women.

There isn't any proven method of preventing breast cancer. However, there are specific measures you can take to reduce your risk of contracting the disease. These aging and prevention measures include the following:

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Obesity increases your risk of getting breast cancer, especially after you've reached menopause, which is when you're at the highest risk of getting the disease. To be on the safe side and ensure breast health for older adults, maintain or aim at achieving a moderate weight.

Seniors should visit a health care professional to find out their current weight and whether it's considered healthy or not.

Eat Healthy

Sticking to a healthy diet is a great way to keep off obesity, and in turn reduce breast cancer in seniors. You need to include the following foods in your menu for a balanced diet:

Healthy fats
Fruits and vegetables
High fiber foods
Whole grains

Older individuals in TerraBella Hillsborough enjoy nutritious and delicious meals in the Sensations Dining area. A chef prepares homemade favorites and international cuisines that are healthy for seniors with various health conditions.

Practice Regular Physical Exercises

Physical exercises help strengthen your heart and muscles, boosting your overall health. It's advisable for older adults to get at least 150 minutes of moderate senior-friendly activity every week.

If you're not used to working out, you can start small as you work your body up to more intense and more prolonged activities. Simple workout sessions, such as taking a walk daily, can help in assisted living wellness.

At TerraBella Hillsborough, we have thorough and long-term health and wellness programs for our residents. Seniors in our community start the day with a stretching and balance class. We also have specialized exercise classes with personalized instruction and training.

Limit Smoking and the Consumption of Alcohol

It's essential to offer senior health education on the dangers of smoking and alcohol use, especially how these practices are linked to most kinds of cancer. Taking even one drink a day puts you at an increased risk of contracting breast cancer.

Seniors should reduce the number of alcoholic drinks they take in a day, or, if possible, avoid them altogether.

Find Out Your Family History

Breast cancer can be hereditary. Find out whether there's a family history of breast cancer. If you have a breast cancer-associated gene mutation, your doctor may advise on surgical interventions or medications to reduce your risk.

What Are the Warning Signs Associated With Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer comes with various symptoms. You must seek medical help immediately if you notice the following breast cancer warning signs:

Swelling or thickening of a section of your breast
Changes in the shape and size of your breasts
New lump in your armpit or breast
Nipple discharge that's not breast milk
Dimpling or irritation of the breast skin
Pain in a specific area of your breast
Flaky skin or redness on the breast or nipple area

Note that breast cancer is survivable and treatable if detected early. Memory care awareness of breast cancer is essential in helping seniors lead a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Important?

This month raises awareness of breast cancer among members of society. It also helps in raising funds for the cure, treatments, and causes of breast cancer. Among the ways of spreading breast cancer awareness is through public education.

Campaigns are held to teach the symptoms of the disease and what people can do to prevent it. You also get to learn how to perform self-exams and clinics around you that you can visit for proper screening.

What Does a Lump in the Breast Feel Like?

A breast lump may either feel squishy like a pea or grape or hard as a rock. You can feel breast lumps in the area close to your armpit or inside your breast tissue. Usually, the lump will have a different feel from the other parts of your breast tissue.

Although a breast lump may indicate other problems, such as a clogged milk duct or engorgement when breastfeeding, it's essential to have your doctor check you for breast cancer.

What Factors Increase Your Risk of Getting Breast Cancer?

Various factors put you at a higher risk of getting breast cancer compared to others. However, you should note that having either of these risk factors doesn't guarantee that you'll get the disease. Some of the common risk factors for breast cancer include the following:

Having dense breasts
Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
Genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2
Previously receiving radiation therapy treatment

Understanding these risk factors can help you stay informed and take proactive steps toward early detection and prevention.

Learn Key Prevention Tips During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer affects most older women, but you can reduce your risk of getting it by practicing healthy habits such as eating nutritious meals, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight. During breast cancer awareness month, senior health education is crucial to help in early detection and increase survival rates.

At TerraBella Hillsborough, we're dedicated to providing a high quality of life to our residents. We have a variety of personalized services and lifestyle programs, including Impressions Housekeeping and Maintenance, that enhance independence while providing 24/7 care.

Hi, I'm here to help