Breast cancer occurs when cancer cells develop in the breast tissue. It is one of the most common types of cancer in women, second only to skin cancer, but it can occur in men as well. Treatment for breast cancer has greatly improved over the years, and the survival rate is much higher than it’s ever been, but catching it early is important, and it’s not always a lump that will get your attention. Other symptoms may appear in place of a lump in one of your loved one’s breasts, so understanding them is important for early detection. An in-home care provider can assist with any personal needs that may arise post treatment.

Five Possible Signs of Breast Cancer That Aren’t a Lump

Lumps or hard bumps located under the skin are often the first sign that a person may have a tumor, but breast cancer can present in several other ways that should also be given serious attention and review.

1. 

   In-Home Care Selma, CA – Breast Cancer Symptoms That Aren’t a Lump

   Changes to the skin of the breast. The breast skin may start to peel, scale, flake, or crust over. Some people notice the skin begins to look like an orange peel, with dimples forming over it.

2. One breast may suddenly change size or shape.
3. A nipple might become inverted on the affected breast. It could also begin to leak a bloody discharge.
4. The lymph nodes in the armpits might become swollen or have a lump in them. Breast cancer can travel to the lymph nodes before it causes any noticeable changes in the breast.
5. A sore on the breast that is not healing.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Breast cancer can affect anyone, but being a woman who has never had children, started menstruating early, and had menopause late, as well as having a family history of breast cancer, can quickly add up to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Regular exams and testing are important for all women over the age of 45 and should be part of your elderly loved one’s regular care to help increase the chances of catching breast cancer early on.

Getting Support for Someone With Breast Cancer

If your elderly loved one gets diagnosed with breast cancer, they face a long and exhausting treatment plan ahead of them. Looking ahead at how you’ll provide care for your loved one while still managing your personal needs can seem overwhelming, and if your elderly loved one lives on their own, you might wonder who else can step in and help with those daily living activities that may become especially difficult as your loved one travels on this treatment journey.

In-home care agencies are a great resource for anyone needing a little extra help to manage their home, prepare their meals, or provide transportation. With an in-home care provider, your loved one can receive the support they need so that they can focus on having the strength needed to manage the harsh treatment that is often the only option for breast cancer. An in-home care provider can tailor their services to meet your elderly loved one where they are at, and if daily living activities get more difficult as the treatment progresses, they have the flexibility to increase their care as your loved one needs it.

Your elderly loved and you don’t need to go through this time alone. An in-home care agency will professionally and thoughtfully walk alongside you and help you each step of the way.

If you or an aging loved one is considering In-Home Care Services in Selma, CA, please contact the caring staff at Everlight Home Care today. Call us at 559-353-2847.

Private Duty Home Care in Fresno, Madera, Kern Counties, and surrounding communities. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Gina Kendall

Gina Kendall has over 25 years of work experience serving the aging and the disabled. Her extensive experience in care and management began as a Social Services Coordinator in skilled nursing facilities. While working in this capacity, she became aware of the need for, and the importance of, good, quality, home care. Gina worked with families to keep their loved ones home and avoid a return visit to the hospital. As she continued her career of service, she began working with the disabled population helping to expand and improve their independence throughout all aspects of life.

This combination of experiences has afforded Gina a unique view of the needs of the aging and the disabled and how to best serve those needs in a home setting.

Gina’s Central Valley roots run deep. She earned her BA degree from Fresno State in 1993 and has lived and worked in Fresno for the past 20 years. In addition to raising her family in Fresno, she is actively involved in her local church and is a volunteer for various local community organizations.

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