Breast Cancer Self-Exam Tips for the Elderly

Breast cancer is one of the most discussed cancers and is the topic of discussion every October as we raise awareness for this disease! As if growing older doesn’t already come with its own slew of health issues, the risk of developing breast cancer seems to increase with age.

With most illnesses, there are first warning signs. Breast cancer is no different! Performing self-exams can be the best way to ensure your body is not sending you pesky warning signs. We need to check if there are any significant changes either visual or internal. While these can be relatively simple for those that are able-bodied, it may not be an easy task for elderly women.

You know how it is: our bodies are not as agile as they used to be. When we get older, we lose muscle tone, have diminished eyesight, or become arthritic.

Because of these physical challenges, you may not be able to perform this self-exam without modification. Here are a few tips if you are unable to perform a typical self-exam:

Ask a family member or close friend. If you cannot use your fingers or raise your arm over your head or cannot see as well as you used to, enlist the assistance of someone that will help you perform the exam between doctor’s visits. (Once a month is standard).

Use a magnifying mirror. If your vision is not like it used to be, pull out a magnifying mirror to better see your breasts to notice if there are any changes to the appearance.

Use your palm instead of your fingertips. If you have lost some sensitivity in your fingertips, try using your palm instead. Your palms tend to be more sensitive than your fingertips, so you will be able to feel if there are any new or unusual lumps on your breasts.

If you do notice something abnormal on your self-exam, be sure to alert your doctor. While self-examination can be a great tool in early detection, having a clinical breast exam and a mammogram are the most effective methods in detecting breast cancer.

If you need help finding a care provider or need a ride to your doctor’s office, let our service coordinators assist you in finding the tools you need to maintain your health!

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    [post_date] => 2016-10-04 14:18:34
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    [post_content] => Breast cancer is one of the most discussed cancers and is the topic of discussion every October as we raise awareness for this disease! As if growing older doesn’t already come with its own slew of health issues, the risk of developing breast cancer seems to increase with age.

With most illnesses, there are first warning signs. Breast cancer is no different! Performing self-exams can be the best way to ensure your body is not sending you pesky warning signs. We need to check if there are any significant changes either visual or internal. While these can be relatively simple for those that are able-bodied, it may not be an easy task for elderly women.

You know how it is: our bodies are not as agile as they used to be. When we get older, we lose muscle tone, have diminished eyesight, or become arthritic.

Because of these physical challenges, you may not be able to perform this self-exam without modification. Here are a few tips if you are unable to perform a typical self-exam:

 	Ask a family member or close friend. If you cannot use your fingers or raise your arm over your head or cannot see as well as you used to, enlist the assistance of someone that will help you perform the exam between doctor’s visits. (Once a month is standard).


 	Use a magnifying mirror. If your vision is not like it used to be, pull out a magnifying mirror to better see your breasts to notice if there are any changes to the appearance.


 	Use your palm instead of your fingertips. If you have lost some sensitivity in your fingertips, try using your palm instead. Your palms tend to be more sensitive than your fingertips, so you will be able to feel if there are any new or unusual lumps on your breasts.

If you do notice something abnormal on your self-exam, be sure to alert your doctor. While self-examination can be a great tool in early detection, having a clinical breast exam and a mammogram are the most effective methods in detecting breast cancer.

If you need help finding a care provider or need a ride to your doctor’s office, let our service coordinators assist you in finding the tools you need to maintain your health!
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