People of any age and any gender can potentially have complications in their breast tissue. This is why regular testing is so important, including for seniors in Orlando, Winter Park, Apopka, and Kissimmee, FL. While yearly exams are the standard for younger people, no one really talks about what older people should do. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here's a guide on how often you should get breast exams as you age.
Breast Exams in Your 60s
Doctors recommend that people in their 60s receive a clinical breast exam every year. This is consistent with what most are doing up to this point, so there's no real change.
Breast Exams in Your 70s
By your 70s, things start to change a bit. Up to around age 75, it's still recommended to receive yearly breast exams. After that age, though, some doctors say this becomes a matter of choice for you and your doctor. This is because breast cancer developed at this age tends to be slower growing, so it's not as big of a concern as it would be in someone younger. Depending on your personal circumstances and doctor's recommendations, you may still receive exams yearly, every two years, or potentially not at all.
Breast Exams in Your 80s
As we said before, breast exams after age 75 largely become a matter of personal preference and doctor recommendation. Assuming a person is not already at higher risk for developing breast cancer, getting an exam done every two to three years is probably sufficient at this age. Of course, always stay vigilant about changes, pain, or other signs that things aren't right in between tests.
Additional Factors to Consider With Senior Breast Exams
While everything discussed so far is a good rule of thumb, there are other factors to consider for seniors in Orlando, Winter Park, Apopka, and Kissimmee, FL having breast exams. First and foremost, consider having more regular exams if you have a family history of breast cancer or similar complications, as this often means an increased risk of developing these conditions at some point. Additionally, if a senior's job involved working with radioactive or hazardous materials earlier in life, being vigilant about lasting consequences from these things is beneficial. There's also no reason seniors can't do regular self-exams at any age independent of professional exams. Finally, if a senior has ever had breast cancer, or a similar condition, or has had concerns about developing it in the past, talk with their doctor about more regular testing and what you can do to help them.
Get Help From Senior Helpers Orlando
Caring for seniors is quite literally a full-time job. Doing it all on your own is one of the noblest tasks one can take on, but that doesn't mean it's always easy. Even the most rewarding jobs can be challenging, so Senior Helpers of Orlando is here to relieve some of that stress. We offer the best in-home care assistance services to seniors in Orlando, Winter Park, Apopka, Kissimmee, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to learn more about what we do and how we can help you and the seniors in your life.