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Berkshire County seniors
By Lisa Lungo, Elder
Services Director of Client Services
In March 2004, Elder Services was awarded a grant from The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. With this grant, 150 women age 60 and older living in central and southern Berkshire County were surveyed regarding their knowledge of breast cancer and their use of mammography as an early detection tool. The results showed that more than half of the women surveyed had not had a mammogram in the past year — some women indicated that they had never had one.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Many older women make statements such as, “I’ve lived this long without getting breast cancer. I’m too old now.” They don’t realize these statements couldn’t be farther from the truth.
The number one risk factor for developing breast cancer is simply being a woman. The second most significant risk factor is age. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 75% of breast cancers diagnosed occur in women over the age of 50. A woman age 70 is twice as likely to develop breast cancer as a woman age 50. Other risk factors for breast cancer include having a close relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer, starting menopause after the age of 55, never having children, or having had one’s first live birth after the age of 30, the use of alcohol (two or more drinks a day), obesity, and physical inactivity.
Breast cancer that is detected early has a very good chance of being successfully treated, and there are preventive actions that women of all ages can do to help detect a problem early. A monthly breast self-exam is the best way for a woman to identify any change from normal. In addition, women should have a clinical breast exam conducted by their health care provider at the time of their annual physical. Finally, the American Cancer Society recommends that all women over age 40 have a mammogram each year. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that detects any abnormalities or masses. Health insurance generally covers the cost of mammograms, and Medicare covers the cost for women age 65 and older.
This September, Elder Services, along with Berkshire Health Systems, will be hosting two Afternoon Teas at the following locations: Claire Teague Senior Center, Great Barrington on September 8 at 1 p.m. and Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, Pittsfield on September 16 at 1 p.m. These events will include afternoon tea and crumpets along with information on breast cancer and other topics important to seniors, including an update on Medicare Part D. All women age 60 and older are invited to attend.
For more information and to RSVP for the events, contact either the Claire Teague Senior Center at 413-528-1881 or the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center at 413-499-9346.