Breast Cancer Risk by Age: What Seniors Should Know

To summarize:

• The risk of developing cancer generally increases with age, with most new developments appearing over the age of 70, according to Komen.
• Recommendations include receiving regular mammograms from the age of 40 onwards, depending on personal health.
• Several warning signs exist that should lead you to book an appointment for a screening, as an earlier diagnosis can reduce complications.

Loma Clara in Morgan Hill, CA, is surrounded by various local amenities, offering a warm and social environment where retirees can focus on their personal betterment. Part of that includes remaining informed about breast cancer risk by age and how it affects one's health. Seniors should thus seek to understand when to undergo a cancer screening.

Below, we explain how the risk of cancer begins to shift from the 40s and remains elevated for the next four decades, according to the USPSTF.

Expect to learn more about:

• The risk factors of breast cancer
• Early detection signs
• How older adult health impacts cancer likelihood
• Standard senior screening guidelines to follow

By the end, learn how families in Morgan Hill use these facts to determine whether they should visit a doctor and how doing so fits into their life goals.

What Age Is Most Vulnerable to Breast Cancer?

Over a person's life, the likelihood that they will develop cancer in any given time period increases with age. This trend is true of both women and men, who also account for a percentage of all breast cancer cases.

However, age-related cancer risk does not mean that someone is guaranteed to develop cancer. Nor does it predict the likely outcome from said cancer.

For that reason, you should ensure that you reduce the risks as much as possible by booking a screening, so that if it does occur, you can catch it earlier.

Is Breast Cancer Less Aggressive as You Age?

Yes, and no.

Some tumors in older adults are what is known as "hormone receptor positive". This term refers to the fact that they grow in response to the presence of estrogen or progesterone. Those in their menopause are likely to have less of this, and so their tumor may grow more slowly.

However, aggressive forms of cancer do exist. So, your age may often also bear no relation to the speed of a cancer's growth at all.

Senior Screening Guidelines for Older Adult Health

While the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years after age 40, they also state that there is insufficient evidence to continue them beyond age 75. However, there are many additional factors to consider beyond these.

Many doctors take into account life expectancy, and, unfortunately, this drops sharply later in life. As such, you may have to discuss these realities with your clinician.

Possible Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

It is also essential to discuss some of the biggest risk factors beyond simply age. For example:

• Excess weight
• Alcohol use
• Low physical activity
• Prior chest X-rays or other forms of radiation therapy
• Medications that could increase cancer risk
• Family history of breast cancer
• Abnormal cell growth in the past

You should share this information with your doctor if any of these apply to you. They can then use this information to aid in a diagnosis.

Poor nutrition can also lead to a drop in health, which may cause other issues. Reasons like this are why we offer nutritious meals to those in our community, to ensure they remain at the peak of their game.

Breast Cancer Risk by Age: An FAQ

Can You Live Twenty Years With Breast Cancer

Many people live long lives following diagnosis, especially if they detect the cancer earlier enough, reinforcing the need for screening. However, the outcomes will vary due to many overlapping factors, including:

• The health of the individual
• The type of tumor
• The stage at which the cancer was found
• Other complicating factors

However, in many cases, the cancer does go into remission, and people's lives can return to normal. Of course, this is not guaranteed, and the journey may not always be smooth. As such, the staff at Loma Clara is available to offer any support that may be needed.

How Fast Can Breast Cancer Develop Between Mammograms

What are known as "interval cancers" can often appear between routine screenings. For this reason, ensure that your screenings continue to occur at regular intervals and that you always have the most up-to-date information available on your own health.

What Are Five of the Biggest Warning Signs of Breast Cancer

If you discover a new lump or a thick patch in your breast or underarm, consult a doctor to have it checked as soon as possible. Similarly, you should do the same if you discover:

• Skin changes such as dimpling or scaling
• Redness or tenderness in the breast
• Nipple inversion
• Crusting or discharge

You should always seek out medical attention if you develop bloody discharge, informing them of the nature of your call.

Does Exercise Lower Breast Cancer Risk

Regular exercise is one way people can ensure their bodies remain in peak physical condition, potentially leading to a stronger immune system. Some of the ways to promote this include:

• Walking for thirty minutes per day
• Chair-based exercise
• Regular stretching
• Performing light strength training

Get Support During Your Screening

Understanding breast cancer risk by age allows you to make decisions about your health and healthcare that match your body's specific needs. To that end, having reminders from our staff about when you will need to go for a screening can help you avoid missing an appointment that might be vital to supporting your ongoing wellbeing.

Here at Loma Clara, we offer exclusive programs, such as Vibrant Life personal wellness, and events centered on ongoing healthy choices. At the same time, our Elevate dining ensures those with us get the nutrients they need to have the best chance of a healthy lifestyle.

To learn all about this and discover more about how we help our residents reduce the risk of breast cancer and other illnesses, get in touch. Take a tour of our community and find out what it means to take advantage of our senior living options today.