To summarize:
Heartis Peoria is situated in a beautiful Peoria location, making recovery from challenging conditions all the more relaxing. For example, should you or a loved one suffer from male breast cancer, you may need help overcoming various difficulties.
Breast cancer in men, while uncommon, is very real. Read on to learn more about how Assisted Living can help those facing such a challenge. Discover how we can help track symptoms and remind our residents of upcoming appointments from their calendars.
Finally, discover what simple steps you or a loved one can take to reduce the risk of you or a loved one developing this disease. Nobody needs to navigate cancer alone, and people are there to help.
According to the CDC, around 1 in every 100 breast cancer diagnoses occurs in men, making their recognition of the condition vital. Key warning signs might include:
If such discharges are bloody, seek help from a clinician immediately.
The texture changes could be as simple as redness or scaling, or may include dimpling that makes the skin appear like orange peel. At the same time, check for underarm swelling, which will suggest that lymph nodes in the area, a part of the immune system, are reacting to changes in the breast.
You can expect a clinician to start with a hands-on breast exam of the same area that one would check while in the shower. Once they have detected a lump and determined it is not a regular body part, a mammogram, breast X-ray, and/or ultrasound come next. Occasionally, they may order an MRI for more information. Still, if they confirm a growth, they will use a biopsy, or a small tissue sample, to confirm the diagnosis of a tumor.
The biopsy test will also determine whether the growth is benign or malignant, and lead to recommendations for further steps.
The risk of cancer increases with age, with the average age of getting breast cancer sitting in the late 60s. However, taking advantage of a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of cancer forming by boosting the immune system and reducing the triggers that cause cancer.
At Heartis Peoria, we strive to provide residents with opportunities to make healthier choices. Part of that is our Dimensions Health and Fitness program, which offers various senior prevention strategies for a variety of conditions through encouraging a generally healthy lifestyle.
Male breast cancer awareness is a key factor when it comes to recognizing that one must check their body for a growth. For this reason, we ensure that those who cannot do so themselves receive the necessary support by recommending regular health checks, enabling residents to access the care they need. For those requiring memory care assistance, we will notify the visiting nurses of any unusual situations that may necessitate an examination.
If a lump or similar is found during regular bathing or other Assisted Living steps, we will record the symptom and inform the family at the earliest opportunity.
The American Cancer Society recently put out key data on the most recent survival rate statistics for breast cancer in men. It highlights how survival is primarily based on when the cancer is detected, whether it is localized (97%) or has already spread to distant parts of the body (31%).
Together, the average five-year survival rate after detecting all such cancers is around 84%. However, the condition must be taken seriously so that people know how to recognize itand then know when to seek a clinician's support.
In the United States, the average age of diagnosis is approximately 67 years. Most men are diagnosed after 65, in part due to the strong link between breast cancer and age, with risk increasing over time.
Genetics and family history can also impact the year of development. However, some individuals are more likely to develop it at an earlier age. As such, while screening is not routine for low-risk men, it is essential to know how to self-check for early detection.
Treatments largely mirror those that exist in curing women's breast cancer. They are adjusted based on the individual and the tumor type, and may include:
There are also other tumors that grow faster due to the existence of specific hormones. When these are detected, doctors may use therapies that include reducing the amount of the hormone in the body to slow the cancer's growth.
The earliest stage, stage one, is characterized by a small tumor that has likely spread minimally. The assumption is that it is likely localized, and biopsy findings will typically determine how quickly it will continue to spread.
If you notice a new lump or a change in your nipples, book a medical appointment as early as possible. You should bring any information you have on medications, a list of symptoms and their dates, and your family history to ensure that you receive the best possible answers.
Breast cancer in men is a very serious condition, and the staff at Heartis Peoria is ready to assist when it becomes a possibility in our residents. If you would like to learn more about how we support individuals with various health conditions and the services we offer, please contact us today to schedule a tour and ask any questions you may have.