Breast Cancer Prevention Tips for Seniors in Redding Senior Living

While seniors in Redding, California (or anywhere else for that matter) cannot completely prevent breast cancer, health and lifestyle modifications can help reduce their risk. From engaging in regular physical activity to maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and minimizing alcohol consumption, these are all helpful breast cancer prevention tips. Ongoing cancer education for older adults and implementing early detection habits can also contribute to better health outcomes.

Following all these strategies is more crucial than ever for Redding seniors, especially women, considering that most breast cancers occur in female adults 50 years or older, according to the U.S. CDC.

In this guide to women's health in aging, the caring team at Hilltop Estates, our warm and welcoming independent living community in the beautiful, vibrant city of Redding, CA, will share insights into breast cancer and reducing its risk of developing.

What Is the Leading Cause of Breast Cancer?

The causes of breast cancer remain unknown, but experts believe several factors can contribute to its development. As noted by the World Health Organization (WHO), being female is the "strongest" risk factor, given that 99% of breast cancers occur in women. WHO also cites the following as other things that may increase one's risk of developing this disease:

• Advancing age
• Weight (e.g., having obesity)
• Having a family history of breast cancer
• Having a history of radiation exposure
• Use of tobacco
• Harmful alcohol consumption

How Can You Prevent Breast Cancer Naturally?

Since some of the risk factors for breast cancer, such as advancing age, gender, and family history, are non-modifiable, the focus of natural preventative measures is on reducing the risk of development. Here are some practical Redding, CA retirement health and wellness tips for seniors.

Engaging in Regular Physical Activity

According to an article published by the National Cancer Institute, researchers found an association between daily physical activity (even at a light intensity) and a lower risk of cancers, including breast cancer. They discovered that people who were the most physically active had a 26% lower risk of getting cancer compared to those with the lowest amount of daily physical activity. They also observed a link between step count and lower cancer risk; individuals who took 9,000 steps a day had a 16% lower risk than those who only took 5,000 steps daily.

Seniors in Redding, CA, should therefore consider taking more (and longer) walks as part of their daily health and wellness activities. It can help them stay active and reduce their risk for breast cancer.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Staying at a healthy weight can help Redding seniors reduce their risk for cancer, considering that too much body fat can produce cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that trigger inflammation in the short and long run.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), excessive fat tissue can also make the body produce too much estrogen. If this happens, it can lead to several types of cancer, including breast cancer.

Redding seniors can maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity. They should also combine this with a balanced diet and healthy cooking habits. Daily meals should focus on nutrient-dense foods, including:

• Fresh vegetables and fruits
• High-fiber whole grains
• Healthy fats
• Lean proteins

Hydration with plain water, fresh juices, and dairy is just as important. At the same time, older adults should limit intake of excess salt, saturated fats, and sugars.

Quitting Smoking

Smoking contains many cancer-causing chemicals and toxins that can trigger cell mutation. When cells mutate, they're more likely to become cancerous. Seniors in Redding, CA, who smoke should therefore consider stopping this dangerous habit as early as today.

Minimizing Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can damage DNA, raise estrogen levels, and disrupt cell growth. It can also contribute to unhealthy weight.

Redding seniors who drink alcohol can still enjoy such beverages, but they should limit them to one drink a day or seven a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can Redding Seniors Do to Detect Breast Cancer Early?

Breast self-awareness through self-examination is an integral component of early cancer detection. It involves familiarizing yourself with how your breasts look and feel.

You should then notify your primary care providers if you notice any unusual changes. They may include pain, lumps, enlargement, or problems with the nipples, such as abnormal discharges or retraction (when the nipples sink inward).

What Is Breast Cancer Screening?

Routine clinical breast exams, mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are health screenings that older adults should also undergo.

How often to get these assessments depends on your personal risk factors. However, the general recommendation for women between 50 and 54 is to get a mammography every year and every one to two years for women 55 and older. Seniors who are at a higher risk (e.g., have a family history of breast cancer or have a genetic mutation associated with a higher breast cancer risk) may need to get tested more frequently.

Can You Beat Breast Cancer Without Chemo?

In some situations, yes. Examples include cancers at their earliest stages, hormone-receptor-positive cancers, and HER2-negative cancers.

In these cases, chemotherapy may not be necessary, provided patients respond well to alternative treatments, such as surgery or hormone therapy. Radiation therapy and targeted drug therapy are other alternatives.

Which Cancers Are 100% Curable?

No cancer is 100% guaranteed curable, but some types have higher success, recovery, and survival rates. Early-stage breast cancer is one of them, making its early detection all the more crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Other examples are melanoma and cancers of the prostate, testicles, and thyroid.

Lower Your Risk With These Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

Exercising regularly, eating healthily, and quitting dangerous habits are all breast cancer prevention tips seniors in Redding, CA, should implement ASAP. With these strategies, they can lower their risk of developing breast cancer and other chronic diseases.

At Hilltop Estates, our top priority is always the health and safety of our residents, which is why we've developed exclusive senior living programs designed to help them thrive in their golden years. From our on-site health and wellness programs to our robust calendar of daily events and activities and nutritious, chef-prepared homestyle dining, we offer all these and more in our beautiful, welcoming, and pet-friendly independent living community.

Call us today to learn more and schedule a visit!