Breast Cancer Awareness

Donna Nichols • October 2, 2024

Awareness is KEY!

A group of women wearing pink breast cancer awareness shirts

Approximately 13% (about one in eight) of U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in the course of their life. In recent years, incidence rates have increased slightly by 0.5% per year. Breast cancer is still one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in U.S. women, second only to lung cancer (breastcancer.org).


The risk of developing breast cancer increases significantly as you age, that’s why it is recommended that women ages forty-five to fifty-four get a mammogram every year and those fifty-five and older can switch to every two if they’re comfortable. The reason breast cancer is more prevalent in senior women is because those over the age of seventy tend to not get their annual mammogram.


This is so important; you need to catch it early! Please have your mammogram. I believe all insurances pay for them, so there is no reason not to get checked for breast cancer.


The best chance of surviving breast cancer is early detection!!


Perform your self-examinations regularly and if you feel any lumps in your breast, please schedule a mammogram.


Signs and symptoms of breast cancer


           ›Lump in the breast or underarm

           ›Persistent breast pain

           ›Nipple discharge

           ›Any kind of change in the size or shape of your breast

           ›Irritation of the breast skin

           ›Redness or thickening of the nipple or skin

           ›Any kind of skin irritation around the breast area

 

Breast cancer risk factors

 

There are some factors that are out of your control, such as family history, race, menstrual period history and breast density. However, some factors are controllable like obesity, alcohol intake and not being physically active.

 

Know the signs any symptoms, know the risk factors, know how to prevent breast cancer, and know how and where to get screened for breast cancer. As I say is all my blogs, EARLY DETECTION IS KEY!!

 

If you’d like to help promote breast cancer awareness, here are some ways you can help in the fight.

 

1.    Volunteer at one of the many organizations that promote breast cancer awareness. Relay for Life, American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are just a few. The month of October is full of local events hosting breast cancer events, so I’m sure you can find something in your area. The organizations I mentioned above don’t just work in October, they work all year long in the fight against breast cancer, so reach out to them for volunteer opportunities.

2.    Wear pink to show your support for breast cancer awareness. It can be anything pink, a ribbon, shirt, shoes, or streak some of your hair pink. It makes no difference how you choose to wear pink, as long as you wear it!

3.    Participate in a run or a walk. This is a wonderful way to meet others and learn more about breast cancer and the fact that it affects not only women, but men as well. You will meet those who have beat the battle, those who have been affected by breast cancer and those who are there to show support. If you are unable to walk or run, please consider donating.

4.    Help a breast cancer patient. It may be difficult to find someone with breast cancer due to the HIPPA rules, but if you can, it can be so rewarding. Even just offering moral support can go a long way to someone fighting cancer.

5.    Create your own fundraiser to promote awareness and raise money for research. How fun would that be? Make it something easy. Have a “pink” bar-b-que where everyone must wear pink and charge $10.00 a plate with all proceeds going to breast cancer awareness. You can even try to find sponsors to donate the food.

 

October is breast cancer awareness month! Please have your regular mammograms to detect any changes early! Because why? Early detection is key!

 

           

 

Breast cancer awareness month is celebrated in october with a pink ribbon.

Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.