Signs Your Mother May Have Breast Cancer

Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most often diagnosed cancer in women. It can affect women of any age, but the risk increases as women age. Breast cancer can also occur in men, though it’s much more common in women. When caught early, the chances of a successful treatment outcome is more likely.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Home Care Lexington, NC: Breast Cancer

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast mutate and grow in an abnormal manner. They grow too rapidly and accumulate in a lump, or tumor. As with other kinds of cancer, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body, which is called metastasizing. The most common place for breast cancer to start is in the milk-producing ducts. However, it can also start in other tissues.

Scientists have determined that there are certain risk factors that can increase the chances of getting breast cancer. Some of the risk factors are:
• Gender: Breast cancer is far more common in women than in men.
• Age: As a person gets older, they are at higher risk.
• Past Breast Conditions: Having had a condition called lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia raises the risk for later developing breast cancer.
• Personal History: People who have had breast cancer in one breast have a greater chance of getting cancer in the other.
• Family History: Having a mother, sister, or daughter who received a breast cancer diagnosis raises the risk. However, the majority of cases of breast cancer occur in people who have no family history.
• Obesity: Being obese raises the risk.
• Age at Milestones: Women who began menstruating before the age of twelve or reached menopause at a later age are at greater risk. In addition, having a first pregnancy after the age of 30 is a risk factor as is never having been pregnant at all.

Breast Cancer Symptoms
The best way to detect breast cancer early is to have regular mammograms and screenings. The drastically improved survival rates of the years are, in part, attributed to early detection. Currently, the chances of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 37.

In addition to regular screenings, being aware of the symptoms can help with early detection. The symptoms of breast cancer include:
• A lump in the breast that is usually painless and hard with irregular edges. However, breast cancer tumors can also feel tender to the touch, be soft, or have rounded edges.
• Swelling, even without the presence of a detectable lump.
• Skin that is irritated or dimpled, resembling an orange peel.
• Pain in the breast or nipple.
• A nipple that turns inward.
• Skin around the nipple or on other parts of the breast becomes scaly, red, or thicker.
• Discharge from the nipple.

If your elderly mother is diagnosed with breast cancer, home care can help them through the treatment and recovery process. A home care provider can offer transportation to and from medical appointments, including chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Home care can also let your mom rest while they take care of tasks around the house, like cooking meals for her, keeping the house clean, and doing laundry. In addition, home care can provide some of the emotional support that is crucial to a successful outcome.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Lexington, NC contact the caring professionals at Tender Hearted Home Care today. Call us at (704) 207-0265.

Sources
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/breast-cancer-signs-and-symptoms.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php