By Michelle Sonia, President and CEO  

Seniors Helping Seniors Boston South Shore  

Every October, pink ribbons appear in stores, on sports fields, and throughout our communities in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While much of the conversation around breast cancer focuses on early detection, there is another message particularly important for older adults: breast cancer risk does not disappear as we age.

In fact, age itself is an important risk factor. Breast cancer incidence increases with age and peaks among women ages 70 to 74, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Rates remain high among women in their late 70s and 80s as well.

For older women and the families who love them, October is a good opportunity to ask a simple question: Are we still paying attention to breast health?

What happens to mammograms as we get older?

For women ages 40 through 74 at average risk, current USPSTF guidelines recommend a mammogram every two years. After age 75, however, the answer becomes more individualized.

The USPSTF says there is currently not enough scientific evidence to recommend either for or against routine mammography for all women age 75 and older. That does not mean women should automatically stop having mammograms when they turn 75. Instead, decisions should be made with a healthcare provider based on factors such as overall health, medical history, individual risk, and personal preferences.

Other medical organizations take somewhat different approaches. The American Cancer Society, for example, recommends that breast cancer screening continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least another 10 years.

The takeaway? Don’t let age alone make the decision for you. Ask your healthcare provider what screening schedule makes sense for your individual health and circumstances.

Know what is normal for you

Mammograms are important because breast cancer doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms. They can detect cancer before it is large enough to feel. At the same time, knowing your own body remains important at every age.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, changes worth bringing to a healthcare provider’s attention include a new lump in the breast or underarm; swelling or thickening; dimpling or irritation of the skin; redness or flaky skin around the breast or nipple; a nipple that begins pulling inward; unusual nipple discharge; changes in the breast’s size or shape; or persistent breast pain.

Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. But a new or unexplained change deserves a conversation with a healthcare professional rather than assuming it is simply part of getting older.

A little support can make a big difference

Keeping up with preventive care can become more complicated as we age. There may be multiple doctors and appointments to manage, transportation challenges, changes in mobility, or simply many competing health concerns.

And if an older adult is undergoing testing or treatment for breast cancer, everyday tasks can become even more difficult. That’s where having the right support system matters.

At Seniors Helping Seniors Boston South Shore, we often see firsthand how a little extra help can make it easier for older adults to remain independent while taking care of their health. An in-home caregiver can provide transportation and companionship to medical appointments, help with grocery shopping and meal preparation, assist with light housekeeping, pick up prescriptions, or simply be there on a day when someone isn’t feeling her best.

For family members, this kind of support can also provide reassurance – especially when work, children, distance, or other responsibilities make it impossible to be there for every appointment or every day of recovery.

Home care doesn’t replace the important role of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals. Instead, it can help bridge the gap between medical care and everyday life.

Massachusetts resource: Need help getting screened?

The Massachusetts Breast and Cervical Cancer Program helps residents connect with breast and cervical cancer screening and other resources. The program offers patient-navigation services that can help with scheduling appointments, finding transportation, understanding test results, and connecting with community resources.

For eligible Massachusetts residents who are uninsured or underinsured, the program may also help cover the cost of breast cancer screening and diagnostic services. Eligibility requirements apply, including age and income guidelines.

Call toll-free: 877-414-4447. Help is available by phone in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole.

For women 65 and older who have Medicare or other health insurance, your healthcare provider or health plan can also help you determine where to schedule a mammogram and what coverage applies.

Make October your reminder

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink. It is an opportunity to start conversations – particularly conversations we may assume no longer need to happen as we get older.

If you’re overdue for a mammogram, make the appointment. If you’re over 75 and aren’t sure whether you should continue screening, talk with your healthcare provider. If something about your breast looks or feels different, don’t wait for your next routine visit to mention it.

And if you have an older woman in your life whom you love, consider asking her one simple question this October: “When was your last mammogram?”

Recognizing the need for care is only the first step. Sometimes an older adult knows exactly what she needs to do but needs a little help getting there. Whether it’s a ride to an appointment, a nutritious meal waiting at home, help around the house during recovery, or simply the reassurance of having someone by her side, support can make taking care of our health a little easier.

At Seniors Helping Seniors Boston South Shore, helping older adults continue living safely, independently, and meaningfully at home is at the heart of what we do.

About the Author: Michelle Sonia is the President and CEO of Seniors Helping Seniors Boston South Shore, a locally owned home care agency dedicated to helping older adults remain safe, independent, and connected in the homes they love. Before co-founding Seniors Helping Seniors Boston South Shore, Michelle spent more than 15 years in management consulting, helping healthcare organizations improve strategy and operations. Today, she combines that experience with a deep commitment to serving her local community, ensuring every family receives compassionate, relationship-driven support tailored to their unique needs. A Hanson native who now lives in Weymouth, Michelle was valedictorian at Notre Dame Academy, earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, and received her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. To learn more about Seniors Helping Seniors Boston South Shore, call 781-626-4800, visit www.shsbostonsouthshore.com, or email info@shsbostonsouthshore.com.