Participating in Breast Cancer Awareness Month can give you access to helpful educational resources. Prioritize getting regular screenings for early detection. Seeking immediate treatment can improve the likelihood of success.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women besides skin cancer. Educating yourself during Breast Cancer Awareness Month can ensure you take preventive action or seek immediate treatment in Lakeland, FL.
Want to learn how to recognize symptoms and lower your risk of breast cancer? Read on to learn more!
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breasts develop mutations. These cancerous cells can divide and multiply, usually in the ducts or lobules of the breast.
Lobules produce milk, while ducts bring milk from the glands to the nipple. Cancer cells can invade other healthy breast tissue or travel to lymph nodes under your arms.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, prioritize early detection for seniors. Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for screening.
Types of breast cancer are broken into two categories: invasive and noninvasive (situ). The two types of noninvasive breast cancer are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). With noninvasive breast cancer, the cancer cells haven't invaded surrounding breast tissue.
Invasive breast cancer includes:
General health tips for breast cancer include:
Mammograms are X-rays used to detect breast cancer. They're used in combination with regular clinical exams and are key to the early diagnosis of breast cancer.
A mammogram may help detect:
Screening mammograms are routine checks. Diagnostic mammograms are for people who are experiencing symptoms of breast cancer.
Experts suggest a mammogram every one to two years after turning 40. If you have a family or personal history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend:
There are several types of surgery for removing breast cancer, including:
Radiation therapy involves using high-powered beams to target and kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that can destroy cancer cells. The latter is often used alongside other treatments.
Some patients elect to have surgery first, followed by other treatments (adjuvant therapy). However, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy to shrink the cancer first (neoadjuvant therapy), then surgery. Consult a doctor to determine the best course of action based on your situation.
Survival rates for breast cancer vary based on the type of cancer you have and its stage at the time of your diagnosis. Other factors that can determine the outlook include your:
Breast cancer survival rates are improving. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate is:
The five warning signs of breast cancer include:
Breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms while in its early stages. In some cases, a tumor is too small to be felt. However, a mammogram can still detect an abnormality.
Not all lumps are cancerous. However, the first sign of a tumor is usually a lump in the breast that wasn't there before. Let a doctor know if you notice a new lump right away.
Let your doctor know if you experience irritation, including nipple or breast pain. These symptoms don't always indicate cancer. However, a proper medical evaluation will help you determine the root cause and begin the proper course of treatment.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, deaths due to breast cancer have dropped by 44% since 1989. This is partially due to advancements in treatment and early detection. Five ways to prevent breast cancer include:
People who are obese have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Explore your senior living community's fitness program to discover exercise classes.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you lose weight. Explore your senior living community's dining program.
Eat healthy, nutrient-dense meals that are high in antioxidants to protect your body from cellular damage. Enjoy your senior living community's After Dinner Club to make time for fun.
There are some risk factors you can't change. For example, the risk of developing breast cancer increases as you age (most invasive breast cancers are found in people over 55 years old). Other possible risk factors include:
Consult a medical professional if you believe you're at risk. Try to schedule routine screenings for early detection.
Prioritize your Lakeland, FL retirement wellness this year. Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month can help you take preventive action. Don't forget to schedule regular screenings for early detection.
For more cancer education in aging seniors, explore your local senior living community. At Azalea Park, we're enhancing our Independent Living with supportive services and newly renovated apartment homes. They're designed to elevate your style, comfort, and convenience.
Explore our range of recreational activities, including tours to local gems like the Polk Museum of Art or golf sessions at Grasslands Golf & Country Club. Our senior living programs provide chef-crafted homestyle meals and engaging fitness classes. Contact us now to schedule your tour.