Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What Seniors in Salisbury Should Know
.jpg)
Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Salisbury, NC, highlights the importance of education, screenings, and community support for seniors. Regular mammograms and preventative programs help older adults catch breast cancer early, when survival rates are highest. Assisted living staff and caregivers are very important in spotting warning signs and encouraging people to get regular checkups.
Ever noticed the pink ribbons that seem to pop up everywhere in October? People usually wear these accessories to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. October is a time when the community here in Salisbury, NC, comes together to support senior health education.
Are you interested in learning more about this critical part of senior health? Read on to learn more about aging and cancer awareness.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, with around 1 in 8 women in the US suffering from it. The likelihood of being diagnosed increases with age. According to the National Cancer Institute, the median age for breast cancer diagnosis is around 63, and around 20% of breast cancer cases are found in women over 75.
Seniors may also face complications due to comorbidities, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
Is Breast Cancer Curable?
Thankfully, breast cancer is one of the most survivable forms of cancer. Cancer is a scary label, but, according to the American Cancer Society, the survival rate is around 99%. The caveat is that this rate only applies when doctors catch it early.
This stat highlights the critical importance of getting regular breast cancer screenings in senior communities.
Getting screened regularly is still one of the best ways to lower the death rate from breast cancer, even for women in their seventies and older. Mammograms remain an important part of senior care because they can detect tumors that are too small to be felt or show symptoms.
Keeping up with scheduled screenings gives many Salisbury seniors peace of mind and greatly increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
According to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, a valuable alternative for older adults who are uninsured or underinsured is North Carolina's Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP).
Seniors on fixed incomes can benefit greatly from the free or inexpensive mammograms, follow-up diagnostic services, and breast health tips offered by this program. Accessing these services ensures financial constraints don't block the detection of life-saving emergencies.
Warning Signs
Even with regular mammograms, it helps to know the changes that might point to a problem. Seniors and caregivers in Salisbury can stay ahead of the curve by keeping an eye out for the following breast changes:
- Breast lump: A new, firm spot in the breast or underarm that doesn't fade with time should always be checked by a doctor.
- Skin dimpling: If the skin on the breast starts to look like an orange peel or puckers inward, it could be a red flag.
- Nipple changes: When a nipple suddenly turns inward, shifts position, or develops crusting, you should see a doctor.
- Nipple discharge: Fluids that appear without squeezing, especially if bloody or clear, need medical attention right away.
- Breast redness: Ongoing redness, warmth, or swelling in part of the breast could indicate more than simple irritation.
- Focused pain: Pain in one specific spot that doesn't go away shouldn't be ignored.
- Size changes: Noticeable swelling or shrinkage in one breast, unrelated to weight changes, can be an early sign.
It's not always easy for many older adults to notice these changes. That is where memory care teams, assisted living staff, and caregivers can intervene. A polite reminder to schedule a checkup might make a huge difference in catching breast cancer early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives communities like Salisbury the opportunity to rally around education and support. Through pink ribbons and other awareness strategies, the month serves as a reminder to:
- Schedule mammograms
- Attend health fairs
- Talk openly about breast health
For older adults, this awareness could be life-changing. Breast cancer risk rises with age, and early detection is the strongest defense.
According to the American Cancer Society, programs and outreach during October keep the spotlight on prevention and make sure local families know about resources available to them.
Why Is October Chosen for Breast Cancer Awareness?
October was chosen in the 1980s by national health leaders who wanted to promote more cancer screenings and start public discussions. These leaders believed that holding awareness events in the same month each year would keep the message consistent and allow towns and cities across the country to organize events and fundraisers simultaneously.
Over the years, October has become part of the cultural calendar, with pink ribbons commonly seen and some government buildings even turning pink for the month. This serves as a constant reminder to consider the ongoing fight against breast cancer and how regular screening can improve survival rates.
Why Is Pink Associated With Breast Cancer?
The color pink was chosen to symbolize compassion, caregiving, and health, and it was first used at charity events in the early 1990s. People could easily recognize and wear the symbol, which helped it spread quickly through communities.
Today, the color pink represents support for families dealing with difficult choices, encouragement for those undergoing treatment, and solidarity with survivors. In October, seeing pink has come to symbolize neighbors and communities banding together to raise awareness of cancer and senior health education.
Explore a Senior Living Community Full of Spirit
Every October, Salisbury celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month by educating one another, getting screened, and taking care of our elderly. By getting regular mammograms and paying attention to the signs, you can find breast cancer early, when the chances of a good outcome are highest.
Here at Terrabella Salisbury, we help our residents achieve optimal mental and physical health outcomes. We treat events like Breast Cancer Awareness Month as crucial times to engage with residents and offer senior health education.
We have specialist care programs to help residents live richer and more fulfilling lives. For example, our Shine® Memory Care Program ensures optimal memory care support for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's.
If you're interested in learning more about our supportive community, contact us today to set up a tour where you'll see our assisted living wellness philosophy for yourself.