5 Ways for Seniors to Prevent Breast Cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable progress of breast cancer research, and to emphasize the importance of awareness and support for those impacted by this disease. As we age, it becomes increasingly crucial for seniors to take proactive steps to prevent and mitigate cancer risk. According to the National Library of Medicine, a 30-year-old woman has about a 1 in 200 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the next 10 years, while a 70-year-old woman’s risk is increased to 1 in 25.1
How to Benefit from Early Breast Cancer Detection
Fortunately, there are several resources available that highlight practical ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining a healthy body weight have been shown to lower breast cancer risk and may help to reduce the risk of recurrence during and after treatment.
Here are five important ways to lower breast cancer risk and benefit from early detection:
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1. Stay physically active
Physical activity can improve your health, well-being, and quality of life. Research suggests that dedicating just 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise can greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer. It’s important to note that being active is not limited to conventional fitness methods. Recreational activities like walking, swimming, or dancing also count. In a Chartwell retirement residence, you can enjoy various opportunities for fun and engaging physical activity, from our signature Rhythm ‘N’ Moves class to a grounding yoga class.
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2. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation,2 not drinking alcoholic beverages—wine, beer, and liquor—can decrease the likelihood of breast cancer. Alcohol can increase levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Additionally, alcohol may also increase breast cancer risk by damaging DNA in cells. If you do not want to remove alcohol from your diet, it is best to limit your alcohol consumption to one glass a day.
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3. Do not smoke
Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke are confirmed risk factors for developing breast cancer and other cancers. By eliminating smoking and second-hand smoke from your life, you can greatly reduce your risk of breast cancer. This is also one of the best things to do for a healthier lifestyle.
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4. Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity is a major risk factor for breast cancer in both men and women. Engaging in regular physical activity and adopting a healthy diet are great ways to curb obesity and the risk of breast cancer.
At Chartwell, our menus are Registered Dietitian Approved to ensure that our meals are delicious, as well as nutritionally balanced. You can enjoy delicious, chef-prepared meals every day made with fresh, seasonal ingredients to ensure a wholesome dining experience.
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5. Get screening mammograms on a regular basis
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast and is crucial for detecting early signs of breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. The benefit of mammograms is that they can help detect breast cancer at an early stage, when successful treatment is still highly likely. The American Cancer Society recommends women aged 55 and older should receive mammograms every other year.
Healthy Aging in a Retirement Residence
Chartwell understands the importance of cultivating a balanced, wholesome lifestyle for seniors. Our Life Enrichment program offers seniors diverse opportunities to stay physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually engaged from the comfort of their retirement home. Download our comprehensive Healthy Aging guide for a deeper dive into how seniors can maintain the best quality of life possible as they get older.
If you are interested in embracing a fun yet healthy way of life in retirement, visit Find a Residence to discover one near you. You can also take things a step further by booking a tour of a residence and exploring all it has to offer.
*The following sources provide references for this blog, in order of appearance:
- National Library of Medicine. “Breast Cancer Prevention (PDQ®).” (2023), online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65973/
- National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. “Healthy Habits: Breast Cancer Risk Factors.” (2023), online: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/healthy-habits/