What Causes Breast Cancer in Elderly, and Can it be Prevented?

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer refers to a malignant tumour that has developed from cells in the breast. In other words, it occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. Breast cancer happens in both women and men, but it is most commonly seen in women.

While there are several reasons for breast cancer, researchers believe that itis most commonly due to combination of genetic makeup and effects of the environment. Also, while a person can develop breast cancer at any age, it is most common in older women.

8 Most Common Warning Signs of Breast Cancer

There are several breast cancer symptoms such as:

1. A lump or mass in the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue

2. Hardness under the armpit

3. Change in the shape, size, or appearance of the breast

4. Discharge from the nipple

5. Discolouration of skin over the breast

6. Breast pain

7. Scaling, peeling, or flaking of skin over the breast, particularly the dark area around nipple

8. Inverted or pulling-in of the nipple

If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, schedule an appointment your doctor immediately.

Breast Cancer in the Elderly

While breast cancer can happen to women of any age, the chances increase as you age. Here are some factors that can lead to breast cancer at a later stage in life:

● Genetics

Breast cancer is often genetic;however, women with no family history can also develop breast cancer, so this is not always true.

● Hormonal therapy

Women who have undergone hormonal therapy at an earlier stage of life may be susceptible to breast cancer.

● Early menarche

Women who experience menarche before the age of 12 may develop breast cancer at an older age.

● Late menopause

Women who have late menopause are also vulnerable to this ailment.

● Exposure to radiation

If you are exposed to radiation at an early age due to profession or any other treatment, you may get breast cancer at later stage in life.

● Having kids at an older age

Having kids at the age of over 30 and above increases the risk of breast cancer.

● Not having kids

The risk is greater in women who do not conceive.

● Excessive alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption for an extended period of time may lead to cancer in an older woman.

● Being overweight

Women who have been overweight for a greater part of their lives may be vulnerable to breast cancer when they become older.

● History of breast cancer

If you have had cancer in one breast in the past, there is a greater chance of a relapse or another episode of cancer in the other breast.

If you have experienced any of these factors in past, be cautious and undergo regular screening to rule out the presence of breast cancer

Prevention & Detection of Breast Cancer

Early detection of breast cancer can help to beat the ailment by preventing it to spread and receiving timely treatment. It can also reduce breast cancer death rates significantly in long-term. This is why one should be aware of breast cancer symptoms and regularly self-evaluate to identify if any symptoms. Doctors recommend women, even those as young as 20 years to regularly check for symptoms. If there is a slightest suspicion of breast cancer, visit a doctor for a physical examination and if required undergo a mammogram (an x-ray imaging to detect for presence of tumour or lump in breast).

Treatment of Breast Cancer

There are several ways in which breast cancer is treated and the course of treatment depends on multiple factors such as age, stage of cancer, extent of spreading, etc.

Here are some common ways to treat breast cancer:

● Radiation

● Chemotherapy

● Surgery

Please note that your physician will take the final call after assessing your overall health record.