Breast Cancer Awareness in Seniors: Prevention, Care, and Compassion

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an international health campaign that aims to educate women, promote screening and prevention, and offer compassionate support.

Breast cancer is a household name. My grandmother fought and survived it, so I saw its physical, mental, and emotional effects firsthand. Just two years ago I underwent a preventive surgery, removing a cyst that was detected pre-pandemic. What made me finally seek a doctor’s advice for surgery, after years of putting it off, was awareness.

While much of the focus is on younger women, it is important to recognize that breast cancer can also affect seniors. For older adults and their families, understanding the risk factors and knowing how to provide proper support is just as essential.

In this article, we will discuss breast cancer prevention for seniors, offer tips on caregiving, and explain how Phoenix Companions Inc. can provide compassionate support during such a difficult time.

1. Understanding the Risk in Seniors

Breast cancer in older women has unique challenges in diagnosis, prevention, and care. According to Shared Health Manitoba's Breast Health Centre, age is a leading risk factor for breast cancer, with women over 60 being more likely to develop the disease than their younger counterparts. This highlights the need for continuous vigilance through routine screenings and self-examinations even in older age.

Key Risk Factors for Seniors:

• Age: The likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age.

• Family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations (like BRCA1 and BRCA2).

• Previous exposure to hormone therapy, especially post-menopause.

• Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and alcohol consumption.

Seniors and their families must schedule regular check-ups with their healthcare providers because early detection can lead to better outcomes and more treatment options.

2. Providing Compassionate Care for Seniors with Breast Cancer

Caring for a senior with breast cancer can be emotionally and physically taxing. As family members of seniors with such diagnosis, we must do our part in understanding their needs, including managing the side effects of treatments and providing emotional support. Practical help such as hiring a caregiver also play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life of seniors who are battling breast cancer. They can offer assistance with daily tasks like meal preparation, transportation to medical appointments, and medication management ensuring they adhere to their medical plan while staying comfortable. You will also have someone watch over your loved ones for signs of depression or treatment-related complications.

3. Supportive Resources and Palliative Care Options

Cancer.ca highlights the importance of providing both supportive care and palliative care for seniors with breast cancer, especially in advanced stages. It’s not just about treating the illness but also ensuring their comfort and preserving their dignity. Supportive care involves nutritional counseling to help seniors maintain a balanced diet during treatment, pain management, and therapy for psychological support in times of emotional distress and anxiety.

4. Phoenix Companions Inc.: How We Can Help

At Phoenix Companions Inc., we understand the challenges that come with aging and health conditions like breast cancer. Our personalized home care services allow seniors to receive the support they need while maintaining independence and comfort within their own homes. We work closely with families to offer compassionate care from basic companionship to specialized home health aide services.

Our services include:

• Companionship Provider 
  Engaging in meaningful interactions, shared activities, and social connections to enhance emotional well-being and foster a sense of community.

• Home Support Worker 
  Assisting with daily routines, personal care, household tasks, and health monitoring to ensure a comfortable, safe, and independent living environment.

• Health Care Aide
  Delivering specialized medical care, including basic health monitoring, assistance with medical equipment, and support with mobility and physical therapy exercises, tailored to meet individual health needs with professionalism and compassion.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not just to raise awareness of the disease but also to ensure that everyone, seniors included, receives the support they need. With the right care, early detection, and ongoing support, seniors can continue to live with dignity and grace during their breast cancer journey.

By working together and leveraging the right resources, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors affected by breast cancer. Reach out to Phoenix Companions Inc. to learn more about how we can assist your loved one during this time. Your first care consult is on us.