Breast cancer affects the older population more often than younger age groups. Due to this reason, the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation calls it “a disease of aging.” Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held annually each October, is a time for the elderly to reflect on treatments and prevention.

What is breast cancer?

A cancer that begins in the breast, either one or both, is breast cancer. The body’s trillions of cells grow out of control, crowding out normal cells. Cancer develops when a flaw in the normal cellular process occurs: the cells continue producing new cells and the old ones don’t die.

Who gets breast cancer?

While women are predominantly diagnosed with breast cancer, the disease affects men, too. The age at which breast cancer strikes is also significant. A breast cancer diagnoses is often made in the elderly, with the median age being 62. About 20 percent of people over 75 are also diagnosed.

As the US population continues to age, researchers expect that cases of invasive breast cancers will double by 2030. The population group expected to make up the majority of new diagnoses is women aged 70 to 84. Women aged 50 to 69 will make up a smaller proportion.

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

In the US, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. Since the disease is prevalent, Breast Cancer Awareness Month was started in October 1985 by the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries to educate and inspire the public.

The initial goals of Breast Cancer Awareness Month included educating women on the importance of getting mammograms to detect abnormalities early and fight the cancer. Breast cancer survivor Betty Ford helped launched the event; her experience and involvement increased public awareness.

Today, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed on an international scale. Nonprofit agencies, government organizations, and nonprofits around the world dedicate their resources to raise funds for research, provide platforms to share stories, and celebrate past breast cancer survivors.

What is the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Public awareness of this cancer is critical. Breast cancer awareness campaigns educate people about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer as well as how to prevent the disease. Prevention tactics include performing self-exams, scheduling regular mammograms, and accessing proper screenings.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also a time to highlight recently developed treatment options and the latest surgeries for women and men who are diagnosed with the disease. These new treatments may include options that are in development or otherwise not known to the general public.

A goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is raising funds for research. Events, like races and walks, held throughout the month provide researchers with funding to continue to develop new therapies and treatments designed to improve outcomes, improve mortality rates, and give patients hope.

Showing unwavering support and solidarity for breast cancer survivors young and old is especially important during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. October is also a time to celebrate the men and women who have courageously fought and survived their battles with breast cancer.

How do seniors get involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

1. Wear Pink

Wearing pink, a color of comfort and healing, is one of the most accessible ways older adults can show their support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A pink ribbon is the universal symbol of breast cancer and can be easily pinned to clothing.

2. Fundraise

Fundraisers for breast cancer research are held by major corporations as well as local small businesses. The elderly can join a fundraiser in their community during October. Virtual fundraisers and fundraisers on social media are alternate options. Seniors might even hold a bake sale to raise funds at home.

3. Join a Walk

One of the most well-known event organizers is the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Older adults might join its Race for the Cure, Komen 3-Day Walk, or More Than Pink Walk, which take place every October around the nation. Aging people can also participate in local races.

4. Donate

Support breast cancer research by making a one-time or ongoing donation directly to breast cancer organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, or the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Every dollar helps support the community of fighters and survivors.

5. Volunteer

Aging adults might volunteer their time at their local breast cancer clinic, nonprofit, or breast cancer organization. By giving their invaluable time and energy, whether in October or year-round, seniors show their support of breast cancer patients, survivors, loved ones, and the medical community.

With one in eight women developing breast cancer in her lifetime, it’s crucial to support the initiatives surrounding Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Assisting Hands Home Care is an invaluable elderly care resource, whether or not aging care recipients are affected by breast cancer.

Seniors receive safe transportation from our caregivers to the local clinic for mammograms or screenings. If your aging loved one participates in a local Breast Cancer Awareness Month event, we drive them there. We pick up medications from the pharmacy and give timely medication reminders.

Included in our home care services are healthy meal preparation, grocery shopping, and light housekeeping. Caregivers assess the home for fall risks and remove hazards, like clutter. We also provide respectful assistance with personal hygiene tasks, like toileting, bathing, and dressing.

Care options from our reputable home care agency are flexible. Compassionate caregivers are available for skilled Alzheimer’s and dementia care, overnight care, 24-hour care, and short-term respite care, to name a few. Non-medical hospice home care and post-hospitalization care are additional care options for the elderly.

No matter how your aging loved one observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, quality care from Assisting Hands Home Care complements their care plan. Our in-home care services are available to the seniors and adults  BallenIsles, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, Wellington, West Palm Beach, and the surrounding areas. Call us at (561) 566-5989 to schedule a free in-home consult today to learn more.