06 Oct Breast Cancer Awareness
2020 has been a powerful reminder that we are all in this together, and our choices and actions have the power to protect the most vulnerable among us in a big way. The same holds true when it comes to breast cancer. Did you know that breast cancer is among the most common cancers women can face? In fact, the two biggest risk factors for contracting breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. For this reason, it is crucial that senior women become more aware of this disease and its risk factors, warning signs, and symptoms. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thought we would give you some information about it.
What is Breast Cancer?
According to the CDC, cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. Each year in the United States, about 250,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,300 in men.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Some warning signs of breast cancer are—
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
- For the whole list of symptoms visit https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/symptoms.htm
Many factors over the course of a lifetime can influence your breast cancer risk. You can’t change some factors, such as getting older or your family history, but you can help lower your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your health and exercising regularly. Women between the age of 70-74 are at the highest risk of getting breast cancer. If you have any concerns, do not be afraid to talk to your doctor and ask.