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Successful Aging - Archived Article
Breast Cancer and Older Women
Breast cancer and early detection is a critical issue for women of all ages. Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as a leading cause of death in women. Breast cancer occurs in men also, but the number of new cases is small.
Growing older is the biggest risk for breast cancer. The longer you live, the higher your risk. From ages 60 to 79, the chance is 1 in 15, and the chance of getting breast cancer over the course of an entire lifetime, assuming you live to age 90, is one in 8.
Risk increases with age because the wear and tear of living increases the chance that a genetic abnormality will develop that your body doesn't find and fix.
Family history of breast cancer is associated with a relatively higher risk of breast cancer. Having a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer or having multiple generations of family members affected by breast or ovarian cancer can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
The good news is that early detection of the disease can save your life. When breast cancer is found early, more than 90 percent of the women who get treatment will live.
Make a habit of doing a monthly breast self-exam (BSE). Do it on a date that you will find easy to remember. If you do not know how to do a breast self-exam, ask your physician or nurse practitioner to show you how and what to look for. The Office for Aging also has brochures we can send you that explain how to do BSE. Call 607.778.2411.
Remember that while BSE is very important, regular mammograms are your best defense. A mammogram will detect early breast cancers that may not be felt during your self-exam. If your doctor does not recommend it, request it yourself. And make a habit of regular screening. Once is not enough. Early detection can not be emphasized enough.
Are you concerned about how you can afford a mammogram?
In addition to many private health insurance policies, Medicare covers yearly screening mammograms. However, if you do not have Medicare or other insurance that will pay for annual mammograms, there are programs that can provide them at very low or no cost to you. Call the Encore Plus Program at the YWCA of Broome County to find out more, at 607.772.0340, extension 242 or 222. Encore Plus also offers information and education on breast health, including presentations to groups.