October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a good time for families to ask whether an older loved one is still getting screened. Many women assume mammograms stop at a certain age. The right answer depends on her health and a conversation with her doctor.

At Abundant Life Assisted Services, we help Georgia families stay on top of the care their loved ones need.

Breast Cancer Facts

Being a woman and getting older are the main factors that raise breast cancer risk

Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50

Family history, dense breast tissue, and inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 also raise risk

Current Screening Guidance

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years for women ages 40 to 74. For women 75 and older, the Task Force says there is not enough evidence to decide for or against screening. That makes it a personal decision to make with a doctor.

What Medicare Covers

Medicare Part B covers one screening mammogram every 12 months for women 40 and older. There is no cost for the test when the provider accepts assignment. Diagnostic mammograms are covered when medically necessary.

Warning Signs to Watch For

A new lump in the breast or underarm

Thickening or swelling of part of the breast

Irritation or dimpling of breast skin

Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or breast

Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area

Nipple discharge other than breast milk

Any change in the size or shape of the breast

Pain in any area of the breast

These signs can come from other conditions too. If you notice any of them, see a doctor right away.

How Abundant Life Assisted Services Can Help

For Georgia families, we provide:

Appointment reminders and scheduling support

Help getting dressed and ready for appointments

Written questions to bring to the doctor

Comfort and companionship before and after visits

Updates to the family on changes in health or mood

Final Thoughts

Age is the biggest risk factor for breast cancer, so screening conversations matter more as women get older. Ask her doctor whether mammograms are still right for her.

If your loved one needs help keeping up with appointments and daily care, we are here to help.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/risk-factors/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/symptoms/index.html

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Breast Cancer: Screening
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Mammograms
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/mammograms