Breast Cancer Awareness with Dr. Pottanat
- ebonyjonesfw
- May 14
- 3 min read
In this special feature, Dr. Pottanat shares expert insight on breast cancer, from understanding risk factors and recognizing early symptoms to diagnosis and steps for prevention. Empower yourself with knowledge and take charge of your breast health.
Introduction
Welcome to “Breast Cancer Awareness with Dr. Pottanat." As a geriatrician dedicated to the health and well-being of older adults, Dr. Pottanat provides valuable information on breast cancer prevention, detection, and care tailored for seniors. This website serves as a resource for older adults and their families.
Understanding Breast Cancer in Older Adults
The median age at which breast cancer is diagnosed is 62, and nearly 20% of women diagnosed are over 75 years old (Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results registry). Recent research shows that luminal breast cancers become more common as people age, while aggressive basal-like tumors are less frequent.
Most invasive tumors in older adults are hormone receptor-positive. What does this mean you may ask? These are cells that have receptors for certain hormones such as estrogen, when a tumor is described as receptor-positive (ER-Positive) it means the cancer cells have receptors for estrogens allowing for the cancer to grow in response to the hormones.
Types of Breast Cancer in Older Adults 70 years old and up: Invasive ductal carcinoma, or IDC, followed by invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
Risk factors: Age, race, gender, family history/genetic factors, personal health history, menstrual and reproductive history, dense breast tissue
Symptoms
New lump in the breast or underarm
Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
Irritation or dimpling in breast skin
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
Diagnosis process:
Self-exam: Regular self-examinations can help identify changes
Mammogram: The American Cancer Society suggests that women between the ages of 50 and 54 should undergo screening mammograms each year, and women aged 55 and older should have them every 1 to 2 years. Many health organizations, including the American Cancer Society, recommend that women aged 70 and older continue regular mammograms if they are in good health. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests mammograms every 2 years for women aged 70 to 74 (Susan G. Komen, 2024)
Prevention
Physical activity: engaging in regular exercises and maintaining a healthy weight
Regular check-ups: Routine health screenings are crucial
Nutrition: Eating lower dietary fat to between 10% to 20% of calories, decreasing food additives, eat more plant-based protein and eat less animal based protein (UCSF Health, 2024)
Supportive Care and Resources
Supportive care is essential for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Resources include:
Counseling and Support Groups: Emotional support for patients and families.
Palliative Care: Focus on improving quality of life and managing symptoms.
Organizations
Local geriatric support networks
References
Bcrf. (2021, February 18). Breast Cancer in the Elderly: Treating this Growing Patient Population. Breast Cancer Research Foundation. https://www.bcrf.org/blog/breast-cancer-elderly-treating-growing-patient-population/
Breast cancer in older adults. (n.d.). Moffitt. https://www.moffitt.org/cancers/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-in-older-adults/#:~:text=Recent%20studies%20suggest%20that%20the,have%20a%20good%20overall%20prognosis
Susan G. Komen®. (2024, May 3). Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations | Susan G. Komen®. https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/screening/when-to-screen/average-risk-women/#mammography-for-women-ages-50-69
Symptoms of breast cancer. (2024, September 25). Breast Cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/symptoms/index.html
Team, N. (2024, October 8). Risk factors. National Breast Cancer Foundation. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-risk-factors/
Treating breast cancer in people age 70 and up. (2022, February 25). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/treating-breast-cancer-in-people-age-70-and-up
UCSF Health. (2024, May 21). Breast Cancer Self-Care and Recovery: Nutrition. ucsfhealth.org. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/breast-cancer-self-care-and-recovery-nutrition
Comments