Comfort Keepers Home Care Aids and Raising Awareness about Breast Cancer in Oklahoma City, OK
Learn more about the in-home care for the elderly services provided by Comfort Keepers of Oklahoma City, OK
Breast cancer is one of the most widespread cancers in women. While a lot has improved over the past decades in terms of prevention and early detection, breast cancer continues to have one of the highest mortality rates among cancers affecting women. In an effort to help reduce the number of breast cancer-related deaths, Comfort Keepers Home Care Aids have joined numerous organizations in raising awareness about this disease and educating older women about available screenings and other preventative measures.
To prevent breast cancer, women first have to understand what it is. Defined as an abnormal growth of breast cells, breast cancer usually develops in the milk ducts. This type of breast cancer is called ductal carcinoma. Another common kind of breast cancer is lobular carcinoma, occurring in the milk-producing lobes. Other types of breast cancer are adenoid cystic carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and adenosquamous carcinoma. Unfortunately, like Comfort Keepers Home Care Aids points out, breast cancer is particularly dangerous if the lymph nodes are involved, as it increases the likelihood of cancer spreading to other organs and areas of the body.
Like in the case of any cancer, early detection of breast cancer is paramount for a positive prognosis. Women who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancers should have their breasts examined as frequently as possible and pay attention to any unusual changes on the breasts. The most common risk factors of breast cancer are old age, family history of breast cancer, radiation therapy in the chest area, alcohol consumption, and others.
However, regardless of whether a woman has a high risk of breast cancer or not, Comfort Keepers Home Care Aids recommend regular self-examination, as well as physical examination performed by a medical professional. In case a woman notices abnormal masses or lumps on her breasts, it is vital to go for further testing to eliminate or confirm breast cancer. Other signs of breast cancer include breast or nipple pain or swelling, skin irritation, redness, and discharge from the nipples.
While self-examination can help with early cancer detection, there is another more effective way to screen breast cancer. The mammogram can be used to either detect the disease or examine the breast in detail for a better treatment approach. There have been debates on whether older women should have mammograms conducted, but at Comfort Keepers In-Home Care for the Elderly, we strongly believe that every woman should do whatever possible to maintain good health and advise senior ladies to screen themselves regularly.
In case breast cancer is detected, there are several possible treatment options available, including surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or chemotherapy. Depending on the stage of the disease, age of the woman, medical history, and other factors, doctors recommend the best way to approach the condition.
Comfort Keepers In-Home Care for the Elderly Experts Can Help
Our devoted caregivers can help your senior loved one age with dignity and maintain independence and good health for longer. To find out more about our services and how we can help your loved one, please give us a call today! We are happy to help!
