In October we traditionally recognize breast cancer awareness. Sadly, a diagnosis does not wait for a specific month. Among women breast cancer is the second most common cancer, skin cancer being the most prevalent. Breast cancer is not gender-specific as one out of every hundred cases diagnosed is a man. Every two minutes someone is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Is breast cancer related to age? According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years or older and in men between 60 and 70 years of age. Risk factors such as the aging process and a family history of breast cancer are unavoidable. However, there are some steps we as women (and men) should take to avoid breast cancer.
Avoid Breast Cancer:
- Stay physically active. Keep or start moving, walk, get off the sofa and enjoy the outdoors.
- Maintain a healthy weight and stick to a nutritional diet. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, chicken, and fish. Avoid processed foods.
- Avoid excessive alcohol. If you are a daily drinker the CDC recommends just an intake of one alcoholic drink for women, two for men.
- Have regular checkups with a physician. Annual mammograms are suggested for women over 55. Do not skip mammograms for more than two years per the Cancer Organization.
Monthly self-exams performed at home are highly effective in detecting breast cancer. Forty percent of breast cancers are identified by these self-examinations. Abnormal pain, a lump, changes in size, or discoloration may be a sign you have breast cancer.
If caught early breast cancer is treatable. Ninety percent of patients survive after treatments of radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. Some patients may have lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery. The highest, but rarest, chance of recurrence is five years. Be cognizant of any changes and stay in tune with your body.
Bridge to Better Living assists Seniors and their loved ones through good and bad times. Like family, we want the best choice for you in a Senior Living Option and practice our motto Passion with Placement® each step of the journey. Call Bridge to Better Living today and enjoy choosing your new Retirement Option… no stress, no worry…only expert one-on-one service.