By William Bambrick, The Springs at South Biscayne
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point – and the risk for developing it increases with age.
According to statistics provided by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, most breast cancers occur in women 50 and older – and the median age at diagnosis for women in the U.S. is 62.
But did you know that women aren’t the only ones impacted by breast cancer? The American Cancer Society reports that 2,000 men are diagnosed every year, with 450 of those eventually dying from the disease. The reason for this high mortality rate is late-stage diagnosis resulting from lack of early detection.
As scary as this sounds, the good news is this: most people can survive breast cancer if it is found and treated early.
If you are a woman age 40 to 49, talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them.
If you are a woman age 50 to 74, be sure to get a mammogram every 2 years – or more often if you choose.
For men, like women, doing a breast self-exam can be extremely helpful in detecting signs of breast cancer early and improving chances of survival.
Sometimes just being aware of your body and promptly getting any changes (i.e. lumps, pain or swelling) checked out by a doctor can make all the difference in a diagnosis.
If a close family member of yours had breast cancer, it is especially important to talk to your doctor about your risk for breast cancer. Your doctor can then help you know the signs to look for, and decide when and how often to get mammograms.
Don’t let worries about breast cancer haunt you. Instead, be proactive and be persistent about reporting any issues with your breast health today.
The Springs at South Biscayne is an exceptional assisted living, memory support and short-term respite care community in North Port, Florida – and a resource for seniors and their families on lifelong learning and physical, intellectual, social and spiritual enrichment. Residents enjoy the convenience of all-day dining, a holistic wellness program, and customized, on-site health services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Plus, the financial flexibility and peace of mind that comes from all-inclusive rates, no entry fees and a month-to-month rental structure. To learn more about the lifestyle at The Springs, visit www.TheSpringsAtSouthBiscayne.com.