Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a wonderful opportunity to educate yourself on the dangers and risks associated with breast cancer, as well as ways that you can lower your risk of a breast cancer diagnosis later in life.
Did you know that 2025 marked 40 years of Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Beginning in 1085, this month has played a pivotal role in spreading awareness and education surrounding breast cancer for nearly half a century.
For seniors in Towson, MD, identifying early signs of breast cancer and receiving treatment is crucial. In this article, we will explore Breast Cancer Awareness Month, some of the symptoms of breast cancer, and more.
What Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month occurs in October every year. The symbol of breast cancer awareness, a pink ribbon, is one of the most universally recognized.
The goals of Breast Cancer Awareness Month include:
- Education regarding the risks associated with breast cancer
- Supporting ongoing breast cancer research
- Honoring those who have lost their lives to breast cancer
- Celebrating breast cancer survivors
- Emphasizing the importance of regular breast exams
Why Do We Wear Pink for Breast Cancer?
Pink became the color associated with breast cancer awareness because it resembles resilience and hope. Though breast cancer can affect both mean nd women, it is one of the most common diagnoses for women, and pink highlights that statistic.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Are you wondering if you may have breast cancer? It is important to know some of the signs to look for that may warrant a mammogram or further testing. Here are some of the key symptoms:
- A change in the size or shape of one or both of your breasts
- A change in skin texture, such as rashes, rippling, or dimpling
- Feeling a knot or a lump in your breast or in your armpit
- Nipple changes, including nipple inversion and discharge
- New pain or discomfort that will not go away
- Itchiness and rashes on the breast
How to Conduct a Breast Self-Examination
Your first line of defense against breast cancer is regular self-exams. Some tips for effectively conducting an at-home breast exam include:
- Looking in the mirror and noting any changes you see in your breasts
- Feeling carefully for new lumps or knots in the breast and the surrounding tissue, including the armpit
- Taking note of skin changes that do not have another known cause
- Contacting your doctor immediately if any changes cause you concern
Can Men Have Breast Cancer?
Yes. Although breast cancer in men is much rarer than in women, men can still develop breast cancer. Men have similar symptoms that occur first in the breast tissue, then spread in a similar pattern to female breast cancer.
Men’s breast cancer may go undiagnosed for longer due to factors such as lack of education and stigma surrounding traditionally feminine problems that afflict men. It is important to educate the men in your life about their risk of breast cancer and encourage them to seek a medical evaluation if anything is amiss.
Similar to the risk pattern for senior women, senior men are more likely than any other group to develop breast cancer.
Tips for Preventing Breast Cancer
Although breast cancer is not completely preventable, there are several steps you can take in your everyday life to lessen the risk. Here are just a few:
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet with nutrient-dense foods
- Exercise regularly, as advised by your medical team
- Evaluate yourself regularly for signs of breast cancer
- Consider genetic testing to determine if you have susceptible genes
- Limit smoking and alcohol consumption
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Get Checked for Breast Cancer?
It depends on your age and other factors. Generally, senior women aged 50 to 74 should receive mammograms every two years if they have average risk, and every year if they are high-risk. For high-risk women of any age, annual mammograms are recommended to catch potential issues early.
However, if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible to schedule a breast exam. They will be able to conduct their own self-exam and determine whether a mammogram or further testing, such as a biopsy, is needed.
How Do I Support a Loved One With Breast Cancer?
It can be difficult to process yourself or a loved one receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, especially as a senior. However, it is important to be there for your loved one as much as possible.
Some of the ways that you can support a loved one with breast cancer include:
- Offering to take them to doctors’ appointments and treatment sessions
- Homemade meals, so they do not have to cook
- Cleaning and straightening their home
- Offering childcare or pet care
- Attending support groups with them
Remember, you also need to emotionally care for yourself during this time. If you need to step back to preserve your mental health, have a conversation with your loved one.
What Is the Best Way to Spread Breast Cancer Awareness?
Breast cancer awareness is one of the most discussed October health topics, but more awareness and education are always needed. Consider joining a local nonprofit or a national foundation to volunteer your time.
Social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness, and one that you can utilize from the comfort of your own home. Join online groups focused on awareness and share helpful content that others can post for further reach.
Aging and Cancer Awareness at Seaton Towson
Observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month is imperative for women’s health, for seniors, and for breast cancer education. With this guide, you can have the knowledge to make the best decisions about your health and well-being.
At Seaton Towson, our staff is dedicated to senior wellness in Towson, MD. Our beautiful senior assisted living community features exclusive programs geared toward senior wellness, such as chef-prepared, nutritious meals, concierge services, and endless health and activity opportunities.
Are you ready to see how Seaton Towson can transform your quality of life? Reach out to us today to learn more about all that our community has to offer, or visit us in person in Towson, MD, to schedule a tour and see it for yourself.
