Breast Cancer & Aging: Myths and Facts

Breast cancer is, unfortunately, so common. For women, it's second only to skin cancer. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Because it is so common, it's been heavily researched, and we know a lot about it. Even still, there are so many widely held beliefs about breast cancer and older women and, unfortunately, many of them are incorrect. Let's bust some breast cancer myths.

Myth:

Women past a certain age don't need mammograms anymore.

Fact:

Breast cancer doesn't actually know how old you are. It doesn't discriminate by age. No one is ever "too old" for breast cancer. Here are some quick facts:

• Women aged 70 and older have a 1 in 24 chance of developing breast cancer.

• Roughly 40% to 45% of all new breast cancer cases occur in women aged 65 or older.

• Nearly half of all yearly breast cancer deaths are women aged 70 or older, due to delayed detection.

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Don't fall for the age myth. Every woman should get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years, no matter her age. Follow your doctor's instructions on how often is best.

Myth:

The radiation from mammograms is dangerous to older adults.

Fact:

Radiation is a scary word. We won't argue that point. Mammograms do use a small amount of radiation during the scan. That's enough to scare off younger women, never mind older ones.

However, we are surrounded by low levels of radiation every day. The amount of radiation from a mammogram is small in comparison. The radiation from a mammogram scan is around 0.4 mSv. It's the equivalent of about two months of normal background radiation experienced during everyday life. Most importantly, it has, in fact, been deemed safe (and is regulated) by the Food and Drug Administration.

Myth: 

Breast cancer in older women is slow-growing and less dangerous.

Fact: 

This myth is actually true...sometimes. In many cases (about 80%), breast cancer occurring in women over 80 is hormone-receptor positive (ER positive). ER-positive breast cancers do tend to be slow-growing and have more favorable outcomes.

However, if 80% of breast cancer cases in older women are considered slow-growing, what about the remaining 20%? In that 20%, there are HER2-positive breast cancer cases. This type of breast cancer grows quickly, spreads fast, and has a high recurrence rate. It's definitely one you want to catch early.

Myth: 

If there's no lump, there's no breast cancer.

Fact: 

What a dangerous myth to believe! You can have breast cancer with no symptoms at all. Many breast cancers are diagnosed in the early stages, with no reported symptoms. For cases with symptoms, this is what patients report:

• A raised lump or thickened area

• Dimpling on the skin of the breast, resembling an orange peel

• Peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of skin on breast

• Change in nipple appearance, such as turning inward

• Swollen lymph nodes

Myth: 

You can't do anything to prevent breast cancer after a certain age.

Fact:

You're never too old for cancer prevention. No matter your age, keep up a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet with enough nutrients. Exercise regularly. Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Lastly, of course, keep up with regular checkups and get those mammograms!

We Can Help

If your loved one could use extra help at home while fighting breast cancer, a caregiver is a great option. Contact Seniors Fix at 240-744-0674 to schedule a free home visit.