Among adult women in the United States, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. It is also one of the most common cancers amongst women over the age of 60, with research showing that this disease is associated with aging. 

Although breast cancer will affect 13 percent of women (both seniors and otherwise) in the United States, it is worth noting that health outcomes are largely positive with early detection. In fact, the National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that the five-year survival rate for women who detect and treat stage 0 or stage 1 breast cancer is 100 percent. 

According to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), women aged 50 to 74 should get mammography screenings every other year. They also note that the lowest mortality rates from (early) diagnosis is amongst women in their 60s. However, screening protocols for breast cancer vary across different health organizations.

For example, according to the American Cancer Society, from the ages of 40 to 44, screening should be discussed with a physician, from the ages of 45 to 54, annual mammograms are recommended, and all women over the age of 55 should get mammograms every year or every other year.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, the American Cancer Society suggests the following tips to reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise.
• Aim to be physically active for at least 150 minutes per week at moderate intensity; if your mobility is limited, do what you can to promote activity.
• Avoid alcohol, which can increase breast cancer risk (or limit intake to one drink on a given day)

Heart disease is the leading cause of death amongst both women and men over the age of 65, accounting for over 30 percent of mortality rates in this demographic.

However, the Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms of heart disease can vary in women. While they mention that chest pain remains the most common symptom across men and women, women tend to call heart attack pain “pressure” or “tightness.” They also often experience signs not specific to the chest region, which include:

• Discomfort in the jaw, neck, shoulder, upper back, or abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Arm pain
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Faintness or fatigue
• Heartburn

In addition, the Mayo Clinic shares that elder women often experience symptoms while resting and/or triggered by emotional distress.

According to the American Heart Association, screening for heart disease may include a combination of:

• Monitoring blood pressure: at each healthcare visit or at least annually if blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg
• Testing cholesterol levels: every four to six years or more often if you are at higher risk for heart disease
• Measuring weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist size: at regular healthcare visits
• Testing blood glucose and A1C for diabetes detection: at least every three years
• Discussing your diet and lifestyle (including smoking and amount of exercise): at regular healthcare visits

The Mayo Clinic shares the following tips to reduce your risk of heart disease, which apply to women and men alike:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.
• Prioritizing physical activity as your mobility allows.
• Practicing stress management.
• Limiting alcohol intake.
• Quitting smoking.
• Taking medication as prescribed by your physician.

Osteoporosis is called a silent disease because there are no clear-cut symptoms until a fracture occurs. However, Hopkins suggests that women over the age of 65 should get a bone density scan to determine risk and signs of bone thinning, especially if they experience:

• Sudden back pain
• A loss of height
• Worse posture

Women with a family history of bone fractures or osteoporosis, as well as those who take medications that may lead to bone thinning, should also be sure to discuss appropriate screening timelines with their physician.

Hopkins shares that the top tips to reduce your risk of osteoporosis include:

• Aiming for 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily (for women over 50)
• Eating food sources of calcium: low-fat dairy, leafy greens, tofu, beans, and fortified foods
• Getting enough vitamin D (600 IU under the age of 70; 800 IU over the age of 70)
• Getting 3,500-4,700 milligrams of potassium daily (patients with kidney disease or those on blood pressure medications should discuss potassium with their provider to avoid excess potassium, which can lead to arrhythmia and death)
• Making sure your diet is rich in protein.
• Performing physical activity to keep bones strong, such as weights and cardio

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