To ensure they remain as healthy as possible, seniors should get routine physical examinations and laboratory tests as recommended by their physicians. In addition to keeping your aging loved one updated on vaccinations and checkups, take additional preventative measures by encouraging him or her to undergo regular cancer screenings.
Importance of Cancer Screenings
As people get older, many medical conditions are likely to develop. This is especially true of cancer. Statistics indicate people over the age of 65 account for 60 percent of newly diagnosed cancers. In fact, 70 percent of cancer-related deaths occur among the senior population. Cancer screening for seniors is important because it provides an opportunity for early detection. Malignancies respond to treatment more effectively when discovered and diagnosed in the early stages of development, which is why it’s so crucial for seniors to get screened regularly for various types of cancer. The earlier cancer is discovered, the sooner doctors can begin to treat it. In many cases, screening detects cancer before there are any noticeable symptoms.
Screening and early detection of cancer allow for a greater variety of treatment options. A senior with early-stage cancer may be able to choose a treatment option that takes less time and causes less stress, whereas late diagnoses limit the treatment options available. For example, a lumpectomy to remove a small breast cancer tumor may be preferable compared to chemotherapy and radiation for a tumor that has metastasized.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a home care service agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Breast Cancer
Approximately half of all people with breast cancer are women over the age of 65. Healthcare providers and the American Cancer Society recommend that women between the ages of 50 and 74 receive mammograms at least once every two years. This time frame may vary depending on a woman’s individual risk factors and overall health.
Colon Cancer
Nearly 70 percent of colorectal cancers develop in seniors over the age of 65. Between the ages of 50 and 75, adults should undergo routine rectal exams or colonoscopy evaluations. Noninvasive forms of testing include barium enemas and CT scans.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a loved one living with a serious health condition such as cancer, you don’t have to face the challenge alone. Families looking for top-rated Huntsville senior home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Prostate Cancer
The American Cancer Society reports one in seven men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. After the age of 65, this number increases to six out of every 10 men. Regular screening should start at the age of 50. Those at higher risk may need more frequent examinations.
Cancer Risks
In addition to age, many other factors affect the risk of developing cancer. For example, African American men are more prone to developing prostate cancer. When parents or siblings have a history of cancer, this also puts family members in the high-risk category. Living in the United States, being overweight, smoking, and regularly consuming high-fat, refined, or processed foods also increase the risk of cancer.
For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Huntsville, AL, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break. Call Home Care Assistance today at (256) 716-9940 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.