Support Breast Cancer Awareness by taking preventive measures, including adjusting your diet and exercising. These lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of breast cancer.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer death rates in the US have dropped by 44% since 1999. This is largely due to increased early detection and advanced treatments. However, many people don't know how to spot the early signs, ensuring they begin immediate treatment.
For Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, encourage senior health education. Staying informed while living in Fayetteville, NC, can help you take action if needed. Read on to learn more about the correlation between aging and cancer risk.
According to Breastcancer.org, breast cancer affects 2.3 million women worldwide. About 2,800 American men will be diagnosed in 2025, with about 510 expected to die from the disease.
Risk factors of developing breast cancer include:
Treatment options for breast cancer include:
A diagnosis can feel overwhelming and stressful. Consider learning more about your breast cancer. Gathering information can help you make informed decisions regarding your care.
Try talking with other breast cancer survivors. You can find support groups and other resources through the American Cancer Society. Your local senior living community may also host support group meetings.
Consider talking to a friend or family member about how you're feeling. Having a support group during your treatment can make coping easier.
There are risk factors of breast cancer that you can change and control. Breast cancer prevention strategies for women include:
Making healthy lifestyle changes may help lower your risk. Try to stay at a healthy weight. Explore your senior living community's fitness program for exercise classes, such as:
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Aerobic activity will get your heart pumping. Activities include running and swimming.
Build muscle to improve your metabolism. Try weight lifting or resistance training twice a week.
Try eating a healthy, balanced diet. You can find delicious, nutritious dishes through your senior living community's dining program. Prioritize eating nutritious whole foods, which are rich in antioxidants.
Choose a senior living community that offers assisted living wellness programs, including memory care awareness. Their services can improve your health, longevity, and quality of life.
If you're diagnosed with breast cancer, adjust your diet to exclude:
If you believe you're at a high risk of developing breast cancer, consider:
Five common warning signs of breast cancer are:
If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor right away.
These warning signs aren't the same for every woman. Try noting any changes in the feel or appearance of your breasts or nipples. While these aren't necessarily indicators of breast cancer, they are signs that you should see your doctor.
You can complete a breast self-exam (BSE), a step-by-step examination you can do at home. A BSE can help you detect early warning signs of breast cancer.
Factors that help determine someone's life expectancy after a breast cancer diagnosis include:
According to the American Cancer Society, here are the relative survival rates for US women diagnosed with breast cancer:
Diet may influence the risk of breast cancer.For example, being obese or overweight is a risk factor. Excess body fat causes inflammation and hormone changes that can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet may lower inflammation, reducing your risk. The Mediterranean diet, which focuses on whole, minimally processed foods, may have a protective effect. Key components include:
According to the American Cancer Society, about 30% of postmenopausal breast cancer diagnoses are linked to risk factors like diet. About 50 to 70% of breast cancers can be prevented, depending on when patients make healthy lifestyle changes.
Prioritizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October can help you take preventive measures. You can find senior health education opportunities through your local senior living community.
At TerraBella Fayetteville, we offer services designed to provide a lifestyle that enhances your life as you age. Discover our exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including events and activities like themed parties, on-site wellness programs like yoga classes, and chef-prepared meals. Contact us now to schedule your tour.