Being knowledgeable about breast cancer in men is crucial for every male, including seniors in Carroll, OH, given that the risk for developing it increases with advancing age. While it may not be as common as female breast cancer, it still occurs, considering that men, like women, have breast tissue, too.
Older adults in Carroll, OH, should pay particular attention to their breast health, as breast cancer diagnoses are more common after the age of 50, as explained by Healthline.
In this guide, the team at Carroll Place Assisted Living, our retirement village in the peaceful town of Carroll, OH, just about 20 miles from Columbus, will share insights into senior men's health and breast cancer risk awareness.
Scientists have yet to find the specific causes of breast cancer in men. However, experts from the U.S. CDC say several factors can increase one's likelihood or risk of getting male breast cancer.
Some of these risk factors include:
Per the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for men diagnosed with localized breast cancer is 97%. The rate goes down to 86% for men with regional breast cancer and 31% for those with distant stage.
Localized breast cancer refers to cancer that shows no sign of spreading outside the breast. Regional cancer, on the other hand, is cancer that has spread outside the breast but only to nearby lymph nodes or structures.
Distant cancer is the most severe stage. It means that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, far from the breast, such as the brain.
A thickening or lump in the breast tissue, usually under the nipple, is the most common and earliest symptom of breast cancer in men. It's often stiff and immovable and can either be tender or painless.
Other initial male breast cancer signs include the following:
Breast cancer in men isn't completely preventable. However, healthy lifestyle habits and modifications can minimize one's risk. Early detection is just as crucial, as it's key to early diagnosis and treatment, which can help reduce the likelihood of the cancer spreading and becoming more challenging to treat.
Since being overweight or having obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer, seniors in Carroll, OH, should do their best to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
One way to reach this goal is through exercise, which not only helps burn calories and excess fat but also fuels happiness in older adults. It can uplift moods and bust stress, helping reduce the risk of chronic inflammation associated with cancer development and progression.
Prioritizing a healthy diet is another crucial strategy. While there are no specific diets that will make older adults immune to breast cancer, whole, unprocessed foods can reduce the risk of its development and enhance overall senior wellness. Examples include:
Seniors in Carroll, OH, should also consider reducing intake of overly fatty foods (e.g., deep-fried dishes, junk foods, and fast-food items). Minimizing consumption of processed meats, such as bacon, ham, and sausages, can also help. So can drinking alcohol in moderation and quitting smoking.
Several tests can help with the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer in men, including self and clinical breast exams. There are also imaging tests, such as ultrasounds and mammograms.
If there are symptoms or findings, such as a lump in the breast, a biopsy often follows.
A biopsy involves removing a small sample of breast tissue or cells and examining them under a microscope. It can help determine whether the lump is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Yes. The most "curable" cancer cases are those within the initial localized stage, making early detection and identification all the more crucial.
Surgery, usually a mastectomy, is one of the most common treatment methods for breast cancer in men. It removes the affected or cancerous breast tissue.
Some men diagnosed with breast cancer may also have to undergo radiation therapy or hormone therapy. Other treatments include targeted drug therapy and chemotherapy.
Seniors in Carroll, OH, should not panic and automatically think that breast pain means cancer. However, they shouldn't assume straight away that it's harmless or benign and completely ignore it.
Pain in the breast, especially if new, persistent, and accompanied by other symptoms (e.g., unusual changes in the nipples or the skin over the breast), warrants further evaluation. Even more so if the person experiencing it is already in their 50s, considering that this is the age range in which most breast cancers in men develop.
Even though it's less common, breast cancer in men is just as real and devastating as female breast cancer. While it's not entirely preventable, seniors in Carroll, OH, can take steps to minimize their risk, from maintaining a healthy weight to eating healthily and prioritizing early detection.
At Carroll Place Assisted Living, our goal is to help our senior residents age gracefully and in good health, which is why we offer exceptional care, support, and exclusive senior wellness programs. Here, you or your aging loved one can enjoy many opportunities to stay fit with our daily activities, events, and nutritious yet delicious chef-prepared meals.
Get in touch with us today to discover more about our senior living community in Carroll, OH!