As you age, taking care of your health becomes even more important.
We get it: it’s easy to prioritize other aspects of your life, especially when things are busy. But keeping up with health screenings like mammograms is one of the best ways to stay ahead of potential health concerns.
Breast cancer, unfortunately, does not discriminate by age, and early detection can make all the difference.
If you’re currently part of our exploring memory care communities, you may already know how critical it is to stay proactive about your health even when you’re living here.
Why Breast Cancer Screening Matters
Did you know that women aged 70-79 are at the greatest risk for breast cancer? About one in eight women will face breast cancer at some point in their lives, with most cases diagnosed in women 50 and older.
The good news is regular screenings can vastly improve outcomes. Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment and in many cases, might mean less invasive treatment options.
When Should You Start Regular Screenings?
If you’re over 50, talk with your doctor about scheduling routine mammograms. The general guideline recommends mammograms every two years for women aged 50 to 74.
However, if you have a history of breast cancer in your family or other risk factors, your doctor may suggest starting earlier or screening more often.
Even if you’re in a memory care community or considering one, staying on top of these appointments is essential. Many memory care centers, like the ones here at Priority Life Care communities, offer health coordination services to help you keep track of appointments and care needs.
How Memory Care Communities Can Help
We understand that health concerns can sometimes feel overwhelming, and coordination can be especially challenging when dealing with memory loss. Memory care communities like ours at Priority Life Care are designed not only to support cognitive health but also to promote overall well-being.
Many communities offer assistance with arranging transportation for medical appointments, scheduling preventive screenings, and even providing reminders to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
What You Can Do Right Now
Whether you’ve been screened recently or it’s been a while since your last mammogram, it’s never too late to take action. Here are a few steps you can take today to stay proactive about your breast health:
- Know Your Personal Risk: Speak with your healthcare provider about any family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.
- Schedule Your Mammograms: If you’re due for a screening, don’t wait—get it on the calendar today.
- Perform Self-Exams: Regularly check for changes in your breast tissue, such as lumps,thickening, or unusual pain. If you’re unsure how, your doctor can guide you.
- Talk to a Memory Care Provider: If you’re already part of a memory care community or are considering one, find out how the community supports preventive health measures like mammograms. Ask about transportation assistance or appointment reminders.
Wrapping It All Up
No matter where you are in life, taking proactive steps for your health builds peace of mind and confidence. Breast cancer screening is one of those small but mighty choices that can have a big impact on your future well-being.
If you or a loved one are navigating the challenges of memory care, Priority Life Care is here for you. From coordinating routine health screenings to supporting memory care needs, our team is dedicated to making life easier for you and your family.
Take charge of your health today and reach out to Priority Life Care to learn more about how we support proactive and compassionate senior care. Contact us here to get started or ask questions.
Together, we can make every day one to celebrate!
