22 Oct Senior breast health: 5 tips you should know
Thanks to the efforts of major breast cancer awareness campaigns over the past 35 years, most Americans know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But many older women may not be aware of some of the most current statistics, risk factors, warning signs, and prevention tips for promoting breast health.
That’s unfortunate because breast cancer is one of the most common diseases among senior women. According to the CDC, two of the biggest risk factors for contracting breast cancer are 1.) being a woman, and 2.) getting older. They also report that two out of three invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older, and more than half of all women with breast cancer are over 60.
At Park Springs, we want to make sure our Members and senior women everywhere have all the information they need to pursue their healthiest life and overcome obstacles like breast cancer. If you’re 55 or older, here are five tips to help you reduce the risk of breast cancer and increase your chances of detecting breast cancer early:
- Pay attention to changes in your breasts and report them to your doctor immediately
Did you know that the American Cancer Society says that 40% of all breast cancer cases are first self-detected at home? Make sure to regularly check for lumps and abnormalities by inspecting your breast and armpit areas. If you have any concerns, our onsite Wellness Clinic has two Geriatricians and a Nurse Practitioner you can quickly consult with five days a week.
- Have a mammogram every other yearAfter self-exams at home, regular mammograms are one of the best methods of early detection. Park Springs’ prime location gives you access to the world-class Emory healthcare system and some of the other best medical care teams in the country. It’s easy to find a top-rated facility close-by to handle your mammogram, and our convenient shuttle service makes it easy to get there.3. Talk to a doctor if you have a higher risk of breast cancer
Women with close relatives who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease. If breast cancer is part of your genetic history, you can schedule an appointment with one of our Geriatricians to discuss your risk factors and prevention options, without ever leaving the Park Springs campus.
- Maintain a healthy weight and nutritious dietResearch from the American Cancer Society shows that overweight and obese women have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared to women who maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause. To help you combat this preventable risk factor, Park Springs offers multiple dining venues full of healthy and delicious options as well as a variety of ways to exercise and stay active (see #5).
- Stay physically active
Staying active is one of the most important breast-healthy habits. According to the National Cancer Institute, large, long-term studies show that women who engage in moderate to vigorous exercise for more than three hours per week have a 30% to 40% lower risk of breast cancer, regardless of family history or risk of breast cancer. So whether you enjoy a round of golf, yoga, a morning swim, or a brisk walk after dinner, you’ll have access to the ultimate active lifestyle throughout our 61 acre campus with a comprehensive fitness center, exercise programs, attentive health staff, beautiful walking trails, and fun Member-led fitness clubs.
We hope these informative tips help you live your healthiest life. To see all the ways that Park Springs helps Members thrive, schedule your on-site or virtual visit today.