Empower Your Health During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings renewed attention to one of the most common cancers and the fight against it that so many women endure. Though this condition can affect individuals of all ages, recognizing the early signs of breast cancer in seniors can make a meaningful difference in the outcome. Many older adults manage more than one health condition, so early breast changes may go unnoticed until the condition has progressed.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month connects with World Mental Health Day (October 10) as a reminder to manage both the physical and mental impact of this condition. At Civitas Senior Living, we help seniors and their families understand breast cancer, recognize the importance of early disease detection and screening, and access care and recovery resources year-round.

What to Know About Breast Cancer in Seniors

Breast cancer becomes more common with age. According to the American Cancer Society, the median age at diagnosis is 63, though 1 in 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45. Importantly, cancer detected at the age of 63 may have been developing for months or years. Though the numbers seem to imply that breast cancer is a post-retirement concern, early screenings can detect the disease when it is most treatable.

About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, but many of the symptoms can be mistaken for normal aging. This can delay a diagnosis and lead to more complicated treatment. Additionally, though rare, male breast cancer is possible, particularly in older men. As men are not typically screened for breast cancer, awareness is even lower.

Early Signs of Breast Cancer in Seniors

The encouraging news is that when breast cancer is found early, which means the cancer is still localized to the breast tissue, the five-year relative survival rate is greater than 99%. Once the cancer has become distant, meaning it has spread to distant parts of the body like the liver or bones, the survival rate drops to 32%.

Recognizing the early signs of breast cancer is essential to detecting the condition when it is most treatable. The early signs of breast cancer in seniors are the same for younger women, with one important difference. Though the signs are the same, they are harder to notice at older ages because they can mimic normal signs of aging. At any age, both women and men should reach out to a healthcare provider if they notice any of these signs:

• A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm
• Swelling of all or part of the breast, even without a distinct lump
• Skin dimpling that can resemble the texture of an orange peel
• Redness, dryness, flaking, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple retraction, or the nipple turning inward
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk
• Breast or nipple pain that does not go away

Any new or lasting change deserves a professional evaluation. Most breast changes turn out to be harmless, but only a provider can say for certain.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Yearly Screenings

Having multiple risk factors does not mean breast cancer is a guarantee, but this list can help women and their families recognize the urgency of seeing a doctor after noticing a new or changing symptom. Common risk factors for breast cancer include:

• Being a woman, especially over the age of 40
• A family or personal history of breast cancer
• Past radiation treatment on the chest
• Carrying excess weight post-menopause
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Smoking tobacco
• Long-term hormone therapy post-menopause

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women get a mammogram every other year, beginning at age 40 and continuing up to age 74. For individuals aged 75 and older, the evidence suggests a more nuanced balance between the costs and benefits of regular screenings, so the decision is best made in consultation with a healthcare provider, based on overall health and personal history.

Caring for Emotional Health Along the Way

A breast cancer diagnosis affects more than physical health. Feelings of pain, anxiety, regret, and sadness are common for seniors and their loved ones, and emotional well-being deserves the same attention to care as physical treatment.

Talking with family, joining a support group, or connecting with a counselor can ease the weight of a diagnosis. Breast Cancer Awareness Month appropriately includes World Mental Health Day on October 10, as a fitting reminder to provide steady encouragement on both fronts for those who have breast cancer and the families standing beside them.

Frequently Asked Questions