The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness

Donna Nichols • October 3, 2023

Awareness is key!

A person is holding a pink ribbon in their hands.

Did you know that breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women in the United States and one in eight women will die from breast cancer? (breastcancer.org)


Those are statistics you don’t want to mess around with, that’s why breast cancer awareness is so important!


Breast cancer affects men and women of any age, however it affects older women more than it does young or middle-aged women.


Your risk of developing breast cancer increases significantly with age and as we continue to grow older the number of diagnoses will rise as well.


It is recommended that women ages 45 to 54 get a mammogram every year and those 55 and older can switch to every two years if they’re comfortable with that. The main reason breast cancer is more prevalent in senior women is because those over the age of 70 tend not to get their annual screenings.


Ladies, this is so important!


Please have your mammogram, even if it’s only every two years!!


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


Make sure you perform self-examinations and get regular mammograms; these two simple things can literally save your life!


Signs and symptoms of breast cancer



  • Lump in the breast or underarm (most common)
  • Persistent breast pain
  • Nipple discharge
  • Any kind of change in size or the shape of your breast
  • Irritation of the breast skin
  • Redness or thickening of the nipple or skin
  • Any kind of skin irritation on the breast area


Breast cancer risk factors


Some risk factors are out of our control, like family history, race, menstrual period history and breast density.


However, some are very controllable, such as obesity, alcohol intake and not being physically active.


Know the signs and 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 in almost all of my blogs, EARLY DETECTION IS THE KEY!!


Want 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. There are always local groups doing breast cancer events so I’m sure you can find something in your neighborhood.

2. Wear pink, pink is the color for breast cancer awareness. Anything pink, a ribbon, shirt, shoes, or maybe paint a few pieces of hair pink, it doesn’t matter how you choose to wear your pink as long as you wear it!

3. Participate in a run or a walk. This is a great way to meet others and learn more about breast cancer. You will meet those who have been affected by breast cancer and others who just support those who have been affected by breast cancer.

4. Help a breast cancer patient. This can be so rewarding and really help you see the impact breast cancer has on a person. It may be difficult to find a patient because of the privacy acts in place, but if you are able to do this, it will be amazing for you and them!

5. Create your own fundraiser to promote awareness and raise money for research!! What a fun idea!! Think of something new and go with it; it doesn’t have to be difficult, it can be simple. Have a “pink” bar-b-cue where everyone who comes has to wear pink and the food is $10.00 a plate with all the money going to breast cancer awareness. If you’re really good, you can get sponsors to donate the food.


October is breast cancer awareness month!


Let’s show our support for everyone who has been affected by this awful cancer by doing everything we can!!


A group of women wearing pink breast cancer awareness shirts

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.