Home health care provider Attencia discusses breast cancer causes, prevention, and treatment in seniors for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — As a part of Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, Attencia is informing seniors and their health care aides about the troubling affliction. While breast cancer can form in men on rare occasions, it is the most common cancer in women, and older women are particularly vulnerable.
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According to the National Cancer Institute, age is the strongest risk factor for the development of breast cancer. There are other causes that may affect a woman's chances such as family history, density of breasts, early menstruation, late menopause, initial pregnancies after 30, never getting pregnant, becoming obese after menopause, and high alcohol use. The NIC states that 12.4 percent of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The risk at age 30 is .44 percent (1 in 227) and by age 70 is 3.82 percent (1 in 26).
"In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to make sure that women, especially seniors, are informed about their risk of breast cancer and the ways to detect the cancer in an early stage, if it does develop. Attencia wants to keep women informed about an abundance of resources available to them when learning about risks, prevention, and screenings. Do everything possible to live a long, healthy life," said Nancy Hann, Senior VP at Attencia and Americare Inc.
While no one factor or lifestyle change can predict breast cancer, there are preventative actions that women can take to lower their risk, especially with age. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that women between 50 and 74 get screened for breast cancer every two years with a mammogram. It also advises regular clinical exams and self exams for possible early detection. Women who have a history of breast cancer in the family should be especially prudent and aware of any changes.
Daily habits such as weight control by a healthy diet and exercise as well as a limitation of alcohol consumption are also lifestyle decisions that women need to take into account when dealing with breast cancer risks. A senior caregiver can play a very positive role in the senior's life by encouraging these healthy habits and helping to schedule regular screenings.
More information about Attencia is available at http://www.Attencia.com. A customer service representative can be reached at 1-866-331-6873. Attencia also maintains profiles on social media networks Facebook and Twitter at http://www.facebook.com/Attencia andhttp://twitter.com/AttenciaNY.
Penina Mezei
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