Breast cancer awareness is about understanding this condition, including its causes and how it spreads. It's also about familiarizing oneself (and others) with the disease's potential prevention and the roles that early detection plays.
Being aware of all those factors is more crucial than ever for seniors in Kansas City, MO, given that the breast cancer incidence rate has increased continuously over the years. Per the American Cancer Society (ACS), it has risen by 1% annually from 2012 to 2021.
In this guide to women's health and aging, the team at Garden Village, our retirement community offering independent living with supportive services in Kansas City, MO, has shared insights into breast cancer.
Researchers have yet to discover the exact cause of breast cancer. However, the U.S. CDC says that studies show a combination of factors is behind one's risk for breast cancer. They include modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
Modifiable risk factors are things you can change. They include:
As for non-modifiable risk factors, they are things you don't have control over. Some examples include:
The first one is through direct invasion, also called "local invasion." It's when cancer cells grow directly into the normal tissues. They then invade the tissues and spread to the structures close to the original tumor.
Cancer can also spread through the lymphatic system, in which cancerous cells enter the lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic vessels are critical components of the body's immune system, with one of their primary roles being to circulate lymph fluid. Cancer cells can travel through this route, and if they get trapped in lymph nodes (e.g., in the chest, under the collarbone, or within the armpit), they can lead to breast cancer.
Cancer can also spread through the bloodstream. It can cause breast cancer and tumors in other organs. It can lead to cancer of the lungs, bones, or liver, to name a few.
Breast cancer isn't entirely preventable, and, unlike other diseases with recommended preventative vaccines, there isn't one for this type of cancer. However, there are ways to reduce one's risk, especially those that involve modifiable risk factors.
Breast cancer education in retirement (e.g., being familiar with its signs and symptoms) won't prevent the disease from developing. However, it's an integral component of early detection in seniors, which can then help with prompt diagnosis and treatment. The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that with early detection of breast cancer in its localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate can be as high as 99%.
Some of the earliest signs of breast cancer that seniors in Kansas City, MO, should be aware of are:
Health screenings for older adults can also help with the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, preventing its further growth. They include:
Leading a healthy lifestyle can help minimize or remove modifiable breast cancer risk factors from the equation. Some ideas for senior wellness in Kansas City, MO, include:
The deadliest or most advanced and aggressive stage of breast cancer is stage 4, also called "metastatic breast cancer." Once the disease reaches this stage, it means the cancer has already spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes. People whose cancer is at this stage may already have other types of cancer, such as those affecting the lungs, bones, liver, and even the brain.
Breast cancer is more common in older women. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people who receive a breast cancer diagnosis are over 50 years old. However, younger women, even adolescents, can still develop this disease.
Yes. Genetic testing for breast cancer is available. It often involves analyzing blood or saliva samples.
The test looks for inherited genetic mutations that indicate an increased risk for breast cancer. It can be an invaluable tool for every woman, but even more so for those with a personal or family history of cancerous diseases.
Yes. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a campaign held and observed not only in the United States but worldwide to promote health screening for this type of cancer and reduce the risk of the disease spreading and worsening.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month also aims to support individuals who've received a diagnosis of the disease. It also seeks to raise funds for the continued scientific research into breast cancer.
Breast cancer awareness can help people better understand the disease, familiarize themselves with the factors that can potentially lead to its development, and learn how women, especially those in their older years, can lower their risk of developing it.
At Garden Village, we recognize the importance of understanding how breast cancer can affect senior women. As such, we do our best to help residents take better control of their health. From encouraging up-to-date health screenings to making it easy for them to engage in physical activity and eat nutritious, well-balanced meals, we do all these and more in our senior living community in Kansas City, MO.
Speak with us today to learn more about our warm and welcoming community!