Breast Cancer Prevention Tips for Older Adults in Arlington Living
Common breast cancer prevention tips include adjusting your diet, remaining physically active, and cutting bad habits. It's also important to schedule routine screenings to ensure early detection for seniors. These lifestyle changes can improve your health and longevity.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States (excluding skin cancers). It accounts for one in three of all new female cancers annually.
Instead of living in fear, add these breast cancer prevention tips to your routine. These strategies can help you live a happy, healthy life in Arlington, TX. Take control of your health today!
What Is the #1 Cause of Breast Cancer?
According to Breastcancer.org, about one in eight (13%) of American women will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives. In 2025, approximately 216,950 women will be diagnosed. About 42,170 women will die from breast cancer in 2025.
About half of women with breast cancer are diagnosed after age 62.
There's no single, number one cause of breast cancer. However, several risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing breast cancer, including:
- Drinking alcohol
- Hormone therapy (postmenopausal estrogen and progesterone medications)
- Not getting enough exercise
- Age (most invasive breast cancers are found in patients over 55 years old)
- Having dense breast tissue
- Having the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations
- Inherited risk
- Never having been pregnant
- Environmental exposure to certain toxins
- Certain foods (fried foods, sugar, refined carbs, processed meats)
- Obesity
- Hormone-based medications (including the pill, risk, and IUD)
How Can I Stop Cancer Cells From Growing?
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. Survival rates have increased due to advances in early detection and treatment methods.There are now over four million breast cancer survivors in the US.
Medical treatments that may help stop cancer cell growth include:
- Surgery to remove cancerous tissue from the body
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Hyperthermia
- Cryoablation
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Blood stem cell transplants
Breast Cancer Prevention Tips
Lifestyle changes may help lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Try applying these health tips for aging adults to lower your risk.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight may increase your risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer. To maintain a healthy weight:
- Adjust your diet
- Lower stress
- Get enough sleep
- Stay physically active
Regular exercise can improve your mood and energy levels. It can also help improve your metabolism. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity a day.
Look for lifestyle programs that prioritize women's health after 60. You can find engaging activities through your senior living community's events calendar.
Adjust Your Diet
Consider switching to the Mediterranean diet, which focuses mostly on plant foods. Eating a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight.It may reduce your risk of certain cancers.
Explore your senior living community's dining program for healthy meal options. You can develop a personalized meal plan based on your dietary needs. Consult a medical professional before making major changes to your diet.
Quit Drinking and Smoking
Try to reduce or limit your alcohol intake. Even low alcohol consumption can increase your risk of breast cancer. Have no more than one alcoholic beverage a day.
Smoking tobacco may increase your risk of breast cancer. Try to quit.
Consult Your Doctor
Avoid menopausal hormone therapy, which can increase your risk of breast cancer.If you must receive treatment, avoid "bioidentical hormones," which are no safer than prescription hormones.
Talk to your doctor about taking an estrogen-blocking drug. They'll help you weigh the pros and cons of medications like raloxifene and tamoxifen.
Cancer Education Resources
Empower yourself by gathering more information about breast cancer. You can find additional educational resources through the:
- National Breast Cancer Foundation
- National Mammography Program
- American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program
- Patient Access Network Foundation
- Mammography Facility Database
- Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
- Patient Navigator Program
You can find more cancer education resources through your Arlington, TX retirement wellness community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Five Warning Signs of Breast Cancer?
Talk to a health care provider if you notice any changes to your breasts. The five warning signs of breast cancer are:
- Swelling or skin changes
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Nipple changes
- A lump or thickening
- Pain
The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or hard knot in the breast. One can also develop under your arm.
You may notice changes in the skin color or texture of your breasts. Look for dimpling, puckering, or redness.
Common nipple changes that may indicate breast cancer include:
- Retraction (the nipple turning inward)
- Discharge (including blood)
- Scaling, redness, or soreness
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider. They'll determine if these symptoms indicate cancer or a benign condition (such as a cyst).
Routine screenings may help a medical professional detect breast cancer before you experience these symptoms. Schedule routine screenings with your local health care provider. Early detection can increase the likelihood of successful treatment.
What Foods Reduce the Risk of Cancer?
According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, foods that may help lower your risk of cancer include:
- Colorful fruits and vegetables
- Lean animal or plant-based proteins
- Dairy products that are low in saturated fats
- Whole grains
- Olive oil
Prioritize consuming whole foods that come from plants. In addition to fruits and vegetables, this includes nuts, whole grains, beans, and seeds.
Plant-based foods are rich in phytochemicals (phytonutrients). These natural compounds may help prevent chronic diseases, including cancer.
Researchers have discovered over 4,000 phytochemicals. Eat fruits and vegetables that feature a variety of colors. Each color signifies the presence of a different nutrient, allowing you to maximize the cancer-fighting benefits.
Prioritize Arlington, TX Retirement Wellness
Applying these breast cancer prevention tips may help improve your energy levels, overall wellness, and longevity. Remember, you can find more helpful resources through your local senior living community.
Discover Independent Living with supportive services at Arlington Plaza Senior Living. We'll provide a maintenance-free lifestyle tailored to meet all your needs.
Enjoy our exclusive lifestyle programs, including engaging activities like Jokers and Marbles Table Game or senior-specific wellness classes like Drum Fitness and Balloon Volleyball. Contact us now to schedule your tour.