October is dedicated to coping with breast cancer and creating awareness. It is a yearly initiative to generate money for research into the illness’s causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. Although not just women can be diagnosed with breast cancer, it is the second most common cause of death for women in the US. It is the type of cancer in women that is diagnosed the most frequently worldwide.

While women and men of all ages can be diagnosed with breast cancer, older women are disproportionately affected more than younger and middle-aged women. The risk of acquiring breast cancer rises rapidly with age, making seniors the most vulnerable age group. In reality, nearly 24 percent of breast cancer cases in the United States are detected in women aged 60 to 84. And as the United States population ages, the annual incidence of breast cancer cases is predicted to rise. Keep reading to find out more about the value of cancer awareness and why in home care is necessary:

The Value of Increasing Seniors’ awareness of cancer.

Breast cancer is when malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the breast. Although these malignant cells begin by growing and attacking healthy cells in the breast, they can spread to other body parts by entering blood arteries or lymph vessels. The process is known as metastasis; the cancer cells continue to damage other tissues when this occurs.

According to studies, women over 60 account for half of the diagnosed cases of breast cancer. One in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifespan, and while the chances are much lower, one in every 1,000 males will also develop it.

If a first-degree relative — a mother, sister, or daughter — has had breast cancer, your chances of getting it nearly quadruple. However, it is crucial to emphasize that even if breast cancer does not run in your family, you should never put off preventative checkups. While family history is essential, less than 15% of females with breast cancer have a relative who has or has had the illness.

While there is no cure for breast cancer and age is a risk factor, seniors should focus on early detection to have the best chance of living out their golden years. A senior’s health may get more complicated as they age, and many older persons have various chronic diseases. Because of this, early breast cancer identification is critical for senior women.

Screenings and detection.

In addition to chronic conditions, many elders experience mobility limitations, making tests challenging. Caregivers should remember this, especially if their loved ones receive home health care.

Seniors should have home examinations at least once a month. They aid in early breast cancer detection and give seniors a feeling of what their breasts appear like when they are healthy, making it simpler to identify any changes. A home care assistance specialist can assist your loved one in performing a self-exam at home, or they can do it for them if they cannot.

Senior women should also get mammograms regularly. If they cannot drive, a caregiver should arrange for them to be brought in for examinations and testing to aid them in staying safe and healthy for as long as possible.

Why home care is essential for seniors living with breast cancer.

You and your senior loved one understand how complex breast cancer treatments can be for them. The good news is that there may be certain things that can assist your senior loved one following breast cancer therapy.

Your loved one’s cancer treatment plan is created uniquely for their breast cancer diagnosis. Individualized care should not end with treatment, whether they had breast cancer screening, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, or a combination of these modalities. Recovery should be just as individual. This can be met with the help of an in-home healthcare service. Below are more ways an in-home healthcare service can benefit you and your loved one:

Better rest.

While you might go to a rehabilitation center, why not let your loved one recover from treatment in their favorite place? By employing in-home specialists, seniors can receive the same care they would in a hospital or clinic without ever leaving home. This allows people to heal and rest peacefully while surrounded by things that make them joyful.

Easy transition.

Cancer therapies are sometimes administered in a hospital setting. Seniors have frequently spent weeks or months receiving care in the confines of a small room. It is tough for them to return to their everyday lives after treatment is completed. They may lack the energy to meet the same day-to-day duties that they did previously. Rather than struggling to care for oneself, employ an in-home care provider. These home healthcare services go beyond standard medical treatment. They can also help with basic housekeeping and cooking. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, your loved one can move more quickly into everyday life with the assistance of a skilled specialist.

Less fatigue.

Your loved one’s breast cancer diagnosis has most likely affected you as well. You may be emotionally and physically exhausted due to the numerous treatments and attention that have been required. It’s natural for caregivers to become fatigued, especially after cancer treatment. With so much unknown about the condition, burnout is unavoidable. Instead of doing everything alone, it’s time to employ the assistance of professionals.

An in-home medical care service can provide peace of mind and alleviate some of your strain. Their expert services can give multifaceted care to fit the demands of your loved one. Prescription management, monitoring, physical therapy, and other medical needs can all be met at home by registered medical experts. Taking over your loved one’s recovery and treatment frees up your time to focus on other things, leaving you more refreshed.

Optimizing Outlook.

Cancer is a dreadful diagnosis. It takes time to process any form of prognosis. During this challenging time, family and loved one’s rally around the person who is ill while they consider their options and begin therapy. With so many various treatments accessible, recovery in the United States is often achievable. Cancer is terrible for seniors. It may be more difficult for them to heal completely due to their aged immune systems. Seniors may require more support following therapy. In-home care for seniors is vital to their recovery after breast cancer diagnosis.