When's The Last Time You Had a Breast Cancer Screening?

When’s The Last Time You Had a Breast Cancer Screening?

October 30, 2024

As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, breast cancer is a disease we need to be aware of throughout our lives. While most campaigns about breast cancer are aimed at young women, older adults also need to be mindful about cancer prevention. Today on the blog we’re going to look at statistics for older adults and breast cancer, steps we can take to lower our risk of developing cancer, and explore local, statewide, and national resources.

Why is this important?

1 in 8 women in America will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
The median age of diagnosis for breast cancer is 62.
Cisgender women over age 85 have breast cancer at rates three times those of cisgender women in their 40s.
Cisgender women over age 85 are 13 times more likely to die from breast cancer than cisgender women in their 40s.
The number of invasive breast cancer cases is expected to double by 2030, with older adults (age 70-84) expected to rise.
While it’s rare (less than 1%), cisgender men can also get breast cancer.

Prevention

Local Resources

Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor– provides free virtual and in-person programs, including support groups. Also offer fitness classes, cooking classes, and social gatherings. Call (734) 975-2500 for more information.

Shades of Pink Foundation– helps individuals diagnosed with breast cancer in Southeast Michigan with financial assistance to assist with financial burdens (mortgage/rent, utilities, health insurance premiums, etc.).

U of M Cancer AnswerLine– contact to have your questions answered by an oncology registered nurse. Call 800-865-1125. Available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

U of M Rogel Cancer Center– offers a variety of supportive programs.

State & National Resources

American Cancer Society 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-227-2345

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge– Hope Lodge communities across the country provide a free place to stay during treatment so people with cancer can focus on getting better. These communities provide comfortable guest suites with private baths, as well as inviting spaces with all the comforts of home, including a communal kitchen, dining area, laundry rooms, and places to gather or find a quiet respite – all at no cost to guests.

American Cancer Society Reach To Recovery program– connects people facing breast cancer – from diagnosis through survivorship – with trained volunteers who are breast cancer survivors. This program is offered free of cost. You can request to chat online or via phone.

American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program– offers free rides to cancer-related medical appointments. Visit the website to see eligibility requirements. Call 1-800-227-2345 for more information.

Cancer Resources for Michigan Communities via Michigan.gov

CancerCare Resource Navigation– provides free telephone resource navigation to people living with cancer, post-treatment survivors and caregivers affected by cancer. CancerCare’s Resource Navigation services are provided by professional resource navigators and oncology social workers. This service is available in English and Spanish. Call 800-813-HOPE (4673).

CancerCare Older Adult Program– provides information, resources and support to help older people and their loved ones better cope with cancer. Services include counseling, resource navigation, support groups, and podcasts. CancerCare Older Adult Program– provides information, resources and support to help older people and their loved ones better cope with cancer. Services include counseling, resource navigation, support groups, and podcasts.

Joe’s House– nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients and their families find a place to stay when traveling away from home for medical treatment.