07 Oct Breast Cancer Awareness: Standing Together

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when communities across the country unite to raise awareness about the most common cancer among women.

At Carolina Inn in Fayetteville, NC, we believe this month is about more than wearing pink, it’s about educating seniors, honoring survivors, remembering loved ones, and supporting families who may be facing breast cancer today. 

In an assisted living community where many residents are women over 65, the age group most at risk, awareness is both a health priority and a way to show care and solidarity.

Why Awareness Matters at Every Stage of Life

Breast cancer affects women (and men, though less commonly) of all ages, but statistics show that age is one of the greatest risk factors. The median age of diagnosis is 63, and nearly 20% of new cases occur in women over 75 (BCRF).

Here in Fayetteville, North Carolina, about 12.7% of the population is age 65 or older, which is more than 26,000 residents (U.S. Census Bureau). Within this group, women make up the majority: for example, among residents ages 85 and older, there are nearly twice as many women as men (Neilsberg).

That means breast cancer awareness in senior living communities is not an abstract concern, it is deeply relevant to the very population we serve.

The good news is that early detection saves lives. When breast cancer is found at a localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 99% (National Breast Cancer Foundation). Regular screenings and wellness conversations with doctors make all the difference in protecting health.

Awareness Beyond Medicine

While screening guidelines can change with age and health status, awareness itself is timeless. Awareness means:

• Noticing changes in the body and speaking up.
• Asking questions during doctor visits.
• Supporting neighbors, friends, and loved ones who may be navigating their own health concerns.

In a senior living community, awareness also means creating space for empathy, education, and solidarity. For some residents, it may be as simple as sharing a personal story over coffee. For others, it may mean encouragement from family to follow up on a doctor’s recommendation.

A Community That Cares

At Carolina Inn, we believe that knowledge and support go hand-in-hand. That’s why we encourage open conversations about health, celebrate the courage of survivors, and remind our families that no one faces these challenges alone.

For residents, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also about connection:

• Sharing wisdom and resilience with one another.
• Supporting peers who have walked the path of diagnosis and treatment.
• Encouraging small but meaningful steps toward wellness every day, like balanced meals, regular movement, and check-ins with healthcare providers.

Standing Together

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that care goes beyond medicine. It’s also about supporting each other as a community, and turning awareness into hope.

At Carolina Inn, we are proud to walk alongside our residents, offering not only professional care but also compassion, encouragement, and solidarity.

When we stand together, awareness becomes more than information, it becomes strength.