At Amada Senior Care, we are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our clients, especially when it comes to preserving senior independence, and this includes preventive care. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to emphasize the importance of annual health screenings and checkups. Today being Mammogram Day provides a particularly appropriate opportunity to heighten awareness of a significant screening for women to protect their health as they age.
Why Mammograms Matter
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide; in fact, women in the U.S. have a 1-in-8 chance of developing breast cancer. Public awareness campaigns point to the fact that early detection can make all the difference. Regular mammograms help identify abnormalities in the breast tissue long before they can be felt during a self-exam. Early-stage detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, with survival rates as high as 99% when breast cancer is caught in its initial stages.
For older women, especially women over the age of 50, mammograms become an even more critical part of their healthcare routine. Age is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, and while it can occur at any age, the risk increases as women grow older. It’s estimated that about two out of three invasive breast cancers are discovered in women 55 or older. This is because as we age, there are more opportunities for genetic damage or mutations to occur in the body at a phase when the human body typically is less capable of repairing genetic damage.
While breast cancer is associated with women’s health, men also can be diagnosed with and experience symptoms like those in women. Family history of breast cancer or other genetic factors, exposure to radiation in the chest area, or having liver disease or another condition that causes estrogen levels to rise in the body all are risk factors for male breast cancer.
Click on either image below to learn more about how to conduct a breast self-exam.
Benefits of Regular Mammograms
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Early Cancer Detection Saves Lives
The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available, and the better the outcomes. Mammograms can find cancer up to three years before it is large enough to be felt, offering a greater chance for less aggressive treatment.
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Peace of Mind in Protecting Senior Health
A mammogram is a quick procedure, but the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re actively monitoring your health is immeasurable. Regular screenings help older adults and seniors feel more secure and proactive in managing their well-being.
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Guided Preventive Care in Aging Well
Mammograms are often the first step in a broader breast health plan. For seniors, keeping up with these appointments ensures continuity of care, allowing their healthcare providers to monitor any changes and take action if necessary.
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Overcoming Common Concerns of Mammograms
Common concerns include fear of discomfort or radiation exposure. However, modern technology has made mammograms more comfortable, and the amount of radiation is minimal—no more than a dental x-ray or flying cross-country.
How Amada Can Help with Protecting Senior Health
As seniors age, they may become concerned about mobility or getting to and from appointments. A free care needs consultation with an Amada Senior Care advisor can help identify specific assistance you or a loved one require, whether it’s transportation to screening facilities, compassionate caregiving services at home, or emotional comfort before and after a procedure.
As a provider of non-medical at-home care, we at Amada are committed to making senior preventive healthcare as accessible and stress-free as possible. We can help with:
- Appointment Scheduling: We’ll help book your mammogram and any necessary follow-up appointments with ease.
- Transportation Assistance: If you need help getting to the clinic, our caregivers can provide transportation or accompany you to ensure you feel supported.
- Personalized Health Plans: Amada’s caregivers are trained to help our senior clients manage symptoms of various health conditions. Our care team professionals understand the importance of following your doctor’s instructions and ensure they are included in your personalized care plan, tailored to your specific needs.
Regular Screenings Lead to Improved Health in Aging
If you or a loved one haven’t had a mammogram in over a year, now is the perfect time to talk to your healthcare professional to schedule one. Encourage the women in your life, especially those in their 50s and older, not to skip their annual health screenings.
This Mammogram Day, let’s celebrate the power of early detection and honor our commitment to protecting the health of the women (and men) we care for.