Things you need to know about breast cancer over 60

A new study by the International Institute for Cancer Research has unearthed amazing statistics.

Breast cancer cases and deaths in the UK are likely to increase significantly by 2050.

The study predicted a 21% increase in cases and a 42% increase in deaths.

Meanwhile, natural medicine studies have found that one in 20 people around the world will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

By 2050, there will be 3.2 million new breast cancer cases worldwide.

Although approximately 23% of breast cancer cases are thought to be preventable in the UK (obesity and excessive alcohol consumption each contribute to 8%), aging remains a major risk factor due to the accumulation of DNA damage.

Women over the age of 60 are especially at risk, so what do breast cancer experts say about early detection, treatment and lifestyle adjustments to take care of your health?

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Women with relatives diagnosed with breast cancer are at higher risk

“prevent breast cancer We estimate that about 25% of breast cancer have a genetic component,” says Lester Barr, consultant breast surgeon and founder of charity. Prevents breast cancer. “Women with a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk of developing the disease.

“If your mom or sister has breast cancer, the relative risk can be twice as high as someone with no family history.”

Certain genes can pose this risk.

“In a small number of women with a strong family history, the risk of breast cancer can be caused by mutations in such high-risk genes. KRCA1/BRCA2 or one of the other 10 medium-risk genes, all of which can now be tested on a daily basis,” says Barr.

Therefore, if you have a family history of breast cancer, you can ask the GP about genetic testing.

“This can be done in NHSand they will test you on a genetic panel that includes BRCA,” says Dr Britta Staldal, associate professor of cancer research and associate dean of research and knowledge exchange. Middlesex University London.

You may be eligible for anastrozole

“If postmenopausal women have been identified as at a higher risk of breast cancer (e.g., by family history), take medication to reduce estrogen (e.g., anastrozole) which is almost half the risk of breast cancer; You may benefit from the IBIS-II exam (IBIS-II exam). Daniel Leffconsultant for tumorigenesis breast surgery at Harrace Street Clinic.

“However, this drug may have side effects such as menopause symptoms, joint pain, and weakening bone mineral content (osteoporosis).”

Maintaining a fit and losing weight can reduce your risk

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Several cases of breast cancer are considered preventable through lifestyle changes.

“The average UK woman gains weight during adulthood and increases her risk of breast cancer by about 20%,” says Barr. “The good news is that if you're overweight, you can significantly reduce your risk by losing just 5% of your weight (and maintaining it).

“Breast cancer prevention was one of the first research groups to find that weight loss can reduce the risk of breast cancer. A study of 34,000 women showed that moderate weight loss reduces risk by 40%. It was there.”

Additionally, a wealth of research has shown that regular exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer.

“Exercise needs to make your breathing more intense and your heart beat faster, and you should aim for five sessions a week to reduce your risk of breast cancer,” advises Barr.

Making small changes to your diet can make a big difference

“people People who eat high levels of lean and processed meat are at a higher risk for breast cancer and other types of cancer,” Stordal said. “So maybe we don't have sausages and we don't intend to eat chicken or shrimp instead, or just reduce the consumption of meat processed such.”

Check yourself regularly

Please check your breasts thoroughly once a month for any changes.

“Women over the age of 60 need to be aware of changes in their breasts that may be signs of breast cancer,” says Leff. “The most common sign of breast cancer is painless lumps.

“Other symptoms include skin or nipple dents, packering or inhalation, unexplained redness or breast inflammation, and nipple discharge from a single point of the nipple.”

If you are invited, you will be sent to the screening

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“We recommend that women over the age of 60 get three 2-view mammography each year as part of the national breast screening program,” Leff says.

“Screening frequency can vary based on individual factors. For example, if a woman is at risk of lesions or atypical cells in her breast, mammography is recommended every year for five years. More regular than the general population is.”