Breast Cancer Risk by Age: What Seniors in Summerville Should Know
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Seniors in Summerville, SC, should know that breast cancer risk by age increases as one gets older. Advancing age and being a woman are two of the strongest factors that increase a person's risk of developing this disease.
As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states, most breast cancer diagnoses occur after the age of 50.
Still, not every woman or man in their 50s (or older) will surely get this disease. While there's a solid connection between aging and cancer risk, there are several ways seniors can minimize the latter.
In this assisted living health education and memory care awareness guide, the team at TerraBella Summerville, our retirement village in the beautiful city of Summerville, SC, also known as "Flowertown," will share valuable insights into this topic.
What Is the Average Breast Cancer Risk by Age?
According to WebMD, eight in ten women diagnosed with breast cancer are at least 45 years old, and over four in ten (43%) are 65+. The risk per age bracket within the middle to older age brackets is as follows:
- ages 40 to 50: 1 in 69 risk
- ages 50 to 60: 1 in 43 risk
- ages 60 to 70: 1 in 29 risk
- ages 70 and above: 1 in 26 risk
The risk of developing cancer is also higher in older males, given that most cases occur in men between 60 and 70. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., the average age of men diagnosed with male breast cancer is 67.
Who Is Least Likely to Get Breast Cancer?
In terms of gender and demographics, younger men are the least likely to develop breast cancer. While cases of breast cancer in men occur, when they do, they're more common among older males.
The American Cancer Society also says that the lifetime risk of developing male breast cancer is 1 in 726. Furthermore, it's 100 times less common in White men vs. White women. Among Black men, it's 70 times less common than in Black women.
What Are the Other Biggest Risk Factors for Getting Breast Cancer?
Having a personal or close family history of breast cancer is another significant risk factor for this disease.
So is having a personal history of non-cancerous diseases of the breast, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH). Per an article published in the National Library of Medicine, ADH is a high-risk precursor lesion found in around 5% to 20% of breast biopsies.
Genetic mutations can also increase one's risk for developing breast cancer. Two examples of such inherited changes are Breast Cancer Gene 1 (BRCA1) and Breast Cancer Gene 2 (BRCA2).
The above are non-modifiable risk factors, meaning there's little to nothing you can do to change them. However, there are modifiable risk factors, too, including:
- being overweight
- having obesity
- being sedentary (physically inactive)
- consuming alcohol
Certain aspects of a woman's reproductive history can also increase breast cancer risk. An example is getting pregnant after 30. Another is not breastfeeding.
How Can Seniors in Summerville, SC, Minimize Their Breast Cancer Risk?
Unlike other conditions for which seniors can get preventative vaccines, there isn't any for breast cancer. The good news is that seniors in Summerville, SC, can still minimize their risk for breast cancer, such as by focusing on changing modifiable personal risk factors.
As mentioned above, being overweight, having obesity, and being sedentary are all risk factors for breast cancer. By removing these from the equation, older adults can have fewer risks to worry about. Therefore, it's best for them to engage in more senior wellness programs and physical activities.
Whenever possible, seniors in Summerville, SC, should aim for at least 150 minutes of weekly moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Examples are:
- brisk walking
- ballroom or social dancing
- gardening
- slow biking
Combining regular exercise with a well-balanced, nutritious diet is also a must, as this can help older adults maintain a healthy weight.
Just as crucial is following early detection tips, starting with self-breast awareness and a yearly clinical breast exam. Women with an average risk of breast cancer should also consider getting a mammogram every two years. Older men with specific, high-risk factors should seek professional advice on how often to undergo breast health screenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the First Red Flag of Breast Cancer?
In most cases, the earliest and most common symptom or "red flag" of breast cancer is a lump or thickening in the breast tissue. It's usually hard, painless, stationary or immovable, and has irregular edges. In some people, the lump can be sore or tender, soft, and movable.
Do Lumps Form in All Breast Cancers?
No. In cases of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), lumps are not typical symptoms.
In people with ILC, the cancerous tissues often spread in a linear pattern. Rather than a lump or mass that's easier to detect with mammograms, this type of breast cancer usually appears as a subtle thickening in the breast.
IBC manifests more often with symptoms other than lumps, such as changes like redness and inflammation on the skin over the breast. People who have it may mistake it for an infection.
Is Breast Cancer Curable?
Many cases of breast cancer in both men and women are curable. The survival rate and success rate of treatment are higher for early or "localized" stages.
The localized stage is when the disease remains within the breast. No signs or symptoms indicate that it has spread to nearby or farther tissues, organs, and structures.
Surgery (particularly mastectomy), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are some of the treatment methods used for breast cancer. Some people may also have to undergo targeted drug therapy and hormone therapy.
Breast Cancer Awareness Can Be Life-Saving
Being aware of breast cancer risk by age, risk factors, symptoms, and detection methods can all help seniors in Summerville, SC, stay on top of their breast health. Taking proactive steps, including moving more and eating better, is also crucial, as these can help reduce the risk and maintain optimal health.
At TerraBella Summerville, our top priority is always senior safety, comfort, and health. With our many on-site amenities, from a dynamic calendar of engaging fitness activities to daily chef-prepared meals and wellness programs, we help our older residents age healthily and gracefully.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about and tour our assisted living and memory care campuses in Summerville, SC!