Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Breast Cancer In an Independent Living Community

Life can be hectic when you’re handling all of the things that fall under the category of home management and maintenance. And that eats up time for the really important things like taking care of yourself.

Once you leave those persistent cares and pesky chores behind by moving into an independent living community, you will have time to focus on both preventative and protective health matters. One of the most important health care issues for older adults, women and men, is breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 1 in 8 women and 1 in 833 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives, which is why understanding the top 5 things you need to know about breast cancer in an independent living community is vital:

1. Prevention

While factors such as age, ethnicity, and a family history of breast cancer are out of your control, there are defensive measures you can take, including:

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight – This involves more than having a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and low-fat protein. It also means getting enough sleep and doing what you can to reduce the stress that can lead to overeating.


• Staying Physically Active – Many independent living communities offer a wide range of opportunities to exercise at their onsite gym, in group yoga, tai chi, aerobics classes, and outdoor walking paths.


• Limiting Alcohol Consumption – Although it is a plus, you don’t have to be a teetotaler to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol to an occasional happy hour or wine with a special dinner can help you stay cancer-free.

2. Detection

Self-examination and scheduling regular physician checkups can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Here are a few easy things you can do:

• Monthly Self Examination – TPick a date and consistently perform a self-examination of your breasts every month. That includes looking for changes in the appearance of your breasts, feeling for lumps and noticing any twinges or pain.
  


• Getting Regular Mammograms – According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, women aged 50 to 74 should get a mammogram every 2 years. If you are 75 or older, ask your doctor whether you need to continue this practice.
  

3. Treatment

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your oncologist may prescribe one or more of these treatments to remove the tumor and prevent it from growing back or spreading, such as:

• Surgery – Depending on how small or large the tumor is, your doctor may recommend a lumpectomy which surgically removes the growth and some tissue around it. If it’s progressed beyond a small lump, a full mastectomy may be the more prudent.


• Chemotherapy – Some breast cancers don’t require treatment with anti-cancer drugs or hormone therapy. However, it’s common for other kinds to be treated with chemotherapy before or after surgery.
  


• Radiation – Usually, your doctor will prescribe some form of radiation after a lumpectomy to kill any remaining cancer cells. If you have a mastectomy you may have to receive radiation therapy if the tumor was large or had spread.
  

4. Recovery

Once your surgery is complete and you’re released from the hospital, you can return to the comfort and familiar surroundings of your independent living community. If you’re not quite able to get back to 100% right away, you could spend some time in a rehabilitation facility before returning home.

5. Surviving and Thriving

Dealing with a diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be physically and emotionally taxing, no matter your living situation. The advantage of facing these challenges in an independent living community is you will be surrounded by supportive friends and staff who will be there to provide community and encouragement as you recover. It’s also an environment that promotes the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors like eating better, exercising more, getting more sleep, reducing stress and making social connections, all of which have been shown to improve well-being and quality of life.

Living your life to the fullest during and after breast cancer treatment can be a lot easier when you’re a part of an independent living community where you can recover in a supportive environment.

MorningStar Senior Living — Independent Living Community

Love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and the security that comes from living in an independent living community? Our job is to take care of the day-to-day details of home maintenance inside and out, giving you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or playing and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of a community near you.