Senior Health: Breast Cancer Awareness in Aging Adults

Victoria Senior Home Care  |  October 23, 2017

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Breast Cancer Risks and Treatments

Breast Cancer Awareness | October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is a time to discuss the most crucial elements of prevention and early detection measures. Comfort Keepers® Victoria supports bringing awareness and reminding people, especially seniors, of the importance of annual screenings and self-exams. Breast cancer presents several risk factors of which you should be aware.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Associated Risks

According to research, some essential risk factors can cause a woman’s chance of getting breast cancer to increase. Many factors are commonly known, while others may not be so familiar. 

Risks Factors of Breast Cancer

• • Adolescent weight gain
  • Late menopause
  • No pregnancies
  • Late pregnancies
  • Increased breast tissue density
  • Juvenile chest radiation
  • Oral contraceptives (long-term use)
  • Post-menopausal weight gain

Keep in mind that most senior women with one or more of the above do not develop breast cancer.

Breast Cancer and Screening Expectations

The time leading up to the screening can be filled with anxiety, fear and sometimes fear. It helps to have an idea of what to expect from the screening. The process is simple and once you’ve scheduled the appointment, the hard part is over.

What is a Breast Cancer Screening?

A screening consists of an x-ray of the breast area otherwise known as a mammogram. It can detect cancer before a lump, pain or other physical signs develop. X-ray technicians usually perform mammograms in a private room or area. Precautions are taken to ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible to prevent unnecessary stress or delays in the exam.

6 Tips for What to Expect During a Breast Cancer Screening

#1. Required Dressing:

Clothing is removed from the waist up and a gown is supplied to wear while being screened.

#2. Mammogram Machine:

The breasts are placed between two plastic plates, and once an x-ray is taken of each breast.

#3. Taking the Image:

This part of the process is a bit uncomfortable for most but necessary to ensure that the tissue surrounding the breast is flattened to provide a clear image.

#4. Post Appointment – No News:

If there are no issues with the screening, a letter is usually received within 30 days of the initial screening.

#5. Post Appointment – Follow Up:

If the doctor has any concerns regarding the results, seniors are usually called to return to the office within 5 days for additional testing.

#6. Support Network:

Take a family member or home health care professional for support during the exam.

Breast Cancer Awareness and the Treatment Process

When breast cancer is detected, a medical team assesses the stage of development and a treatment plan. Options or suggested plans are discussed with the patient and any questions can be asked and addressed.

Common Breast Cancer Treatments Include:

• • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Chemotherapy

The medical team considers the cancer’s stage, clinical history, and preferences of all involved before moving forward with prescribed treatment. Aging is a leading factor in abnormal changes in cells. Older women have a greater chance of developing breast cancer.

Therefore, seniors must keep all doctor’s appointments and schedule annual mammograms. Family members and home health care professionals can be especially during treatments. 

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, overnight care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria provides in-home elderly care services

Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Comfort Keepers® Victoria in-home caregivers can help with Interactive Caregiving™

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service which offers respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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