Breast Cancer Awareness Month, each October, is a time for people to come together and talk about the importance of screenings and prevention strategies. This month is also traditionally the time to honor survivors of breast cancer and those currently fighting the disease. With 300,000 new breast cancer diagnoses in America every year, awareness has never been so important.
In this guide, we’ll share some ideas about how you can mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Myrtle Beach, SC. And we’ll also explain the age-related risks of breast cancer that seniors should understand.
What Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month happens every October, and it’s there as a way of raising awareness about breast cancer, especially for at-risk groups like seniors.
These awareness campaigns provide breast health education programs, emphasize the importance of early detection, and discuss strategies for cancer prevention. They are also a chance to raise money for breast cancer charities.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in the 1980s, when less was known about the disease, and it had something of a stigma around the diagnosis. Nowadays, many survivors and current breast cancer patients find it’s a valuable time to connect and talk openly about the impact of cancer.
Aging and Cancer Awareness
Older adults are more at risk of breast cancer.That’s why it’s essential to promote greater awareness about screening, symptoms, and prevention strategies.
The risk of breast cancer increases for women over the age of 60, and it’s one of the most common types of cancer diagnoses. Age is a significant factor in the disease because our bodies become less efficient at cell repair, making mutations more likely to occur.
In addition, seniors need to take extra precautions, such as regular screenings, because they may have other chronic health conditions that make breast cancer symptoms harder to recognize. Screenings help with early detection, and the standard procedure for breast cancer screening is a mammogram.
Screening for Breast Cancer: The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of breast cancer is the best way to improve survival rates and reduce the need for more complex and invasive treatment. Tumors begin to grow long before they are noticeable as a lump in the breast, and spotting them while they are small is best done via a mammogram.
If you are a senior living in Myrtle Beach, consult with your healthcare provider about when to begin getting mammograms. Some women start screening after 50, and most healthcare providers recommend it for all women aged 60 and above.
If you have other risk factors, like familial breast cancer, your doctor may recommend earlier screening.
How to Get Involved in Community Events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
There are lots of different ways you can participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some suggestions:
- Donate to a breast cancer or cancer research charity
- Arrange a charity fundraiser like a sponsored walk
- Join an awareness event in your local area
- Wear the color pink or a pink ribbon
- Attend or host an educational talk on breast cancer screening
- Craft decorations like banners or pink ribbons
Any small way of getting involved is a chance to show your support to those you know facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Additionally, it provides you with the opportunity to learn more about the latest research and prevention strategies.
Proactive Aging Tips for Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer
Simple lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of many cancers, including breast cancer. Here are some simple changes you can make in your senior years that will not only help protect you from cancer but also from chronic age-related diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Regular, low-impact exercise
- Eating a balanced diet
- Avoiding highly processed foods, sugars, and trans fats
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting alcohol
It’s also essential to maintain a healthy weight as you age, and these lifestyle adjustments will help you achieve that. If you are struggling to meet your health goals, speak with the care team in your senior living community, who can guide you on specifics such as signing up for fitness classes and making healthy food choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions about Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Why is October Breast Cancer Month?
October originated from the original dates in the 1980s for breast cancer awareness campaigns, and campaigners have adhered to it ever since.
Health organizations and charities use this point in the calendar to fundraise and launch educational campaigns, which is critical in getting the message out to women that they should check for signs of cancer and schedule mammograms with their healthcare provider.
Why Do We Wear Pink for Breast Cancer?
During October, pink clothing or pink ribbons are often used to symbolize supportfor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You’ll also find that many breast cancer charities adopt the color pink in their branding.
Pink ribbons were first introduced in the 1990s as a feminine choice of color to represent the predominantly female population that suffers from this disease. Wearing a pink ribbon can be a great way to spark conversation and show silent support for a friend who has recently been diagnosed.
How Can Seniors Support Local Breast Cancer Awareness Events?
If you are a senior living in Myrtle Beach, SC, consider taking some time before November to learn about breast cancer awareness events. You can volunteer to help set up educational talks or fundraising events, or simply book your spot at a seminar to learn more about the latest research in the fight against breast cancer.
You could also support Myrtle Beach, SC, wellness events with practical efforts, like making pink ribbons or participating in a charity walk, to commemorate the event.
Senior Women’s Health and Breast Cancer: Some Final Thoughts
If you are a senior in Myrtle Beach, take some time this October to attend events that mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to show support and learn the latest strategies for preventing the disease.
At TerraBella Myrtle Beach, we have designed a senior living community where health and wellness are part of everything we do, from weekly fitness classes to educational talks and nutritious food. Schedule a tour today to discover more about our fantastic community.
