Cancer is a concern that often looms over the elderly. Receiving a diagnosis of this disease can be a life-altering experience, provoking fear and uncertainty about the future. Elderly individuals may feel as if they've been handed an abrupt end to a life they envisioned would last much longer.
Being a potential terminal illness and one of the primary causes of death globally, cancer's prevalence remains high. Yet, a definitive medical solution for its ‘cure' is still elusive. In advanced scenarios, palliative care is typically administered to alleviate pain and discomfort.
The likelihood of developing cancer rises with age, making it a significant concern for the elderly. This increased risk is due to age-related changes at the molecular and cellular levels.
Aging is defined by a slow deterioration of various physiological functions, including systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. These changes can lead to cellular damage and a weakened ability to combat cancerous cells.
On a molecular level, aging can result in less effective DNA repair mechanisms, contributing to further issues. Cancer is not an immediate onset disease; the aging process can make cells more susceptible to carcinogenesis, the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells.
Cancer's development is a multi-stage process, starting with initiation. This is followed by promotion and transformation stages, involving the release and interaction of cytokines and chemokines, and metabolic and hormonal changes. These stages set the groundwork for tumor progression. The final progression stage is marked by the metastasis of malignant tumor cells.
Elderly's Concerns: Common Cancer Types
Certain cancer types are more prevalent among the elderly, including breast, colon, bladder, lung, and prostate cancer. Breast and colon cancers are often easier to detect in their initial stages.
Breast Cancer
Early-stage breast cancer can be detected through mammograms. Regular annual mammograms are recommended for women to identify any potential threat and initiate treatment at the earliest stage. Luckily, early detection often results in survival.
Colon Cancer
Elderly individuals should also be vigilant about colon cancer. Some regions offer colon cancer programs that provide bowel sample kits for testing. Colon cancer can be easily detected in its initial stage through a colonoscopy test and can be treated if found early.
Bladder Cancer
Early detection of bladder cancer is challenging due to the lack of routine screenings. However, certain risk factors can increase susceptibility. Early symptoms include blood in the urine, painful urination, frequent urination, or other urination issues.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer, one of the deadliest types, is common in the elderly. The high mortality rate is due to impaired breathing and insufficient oxygen in the body. Smokers are particularly at risk and are advised to quit for better lung health.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is frequently diagnosed in elderly men. Detection involves a blood test that checks for specific antigens. Early diagnosis has a good survival rate, and many men live for years after their prostate cancer diagnosis. Treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Conclusion
No one wishes to be diagnosed with cancer. To keep cancer at bay, take control of your health! Maintain a healthy diet, engage in daily exercise, hydrate adequately, and ensure restful sleep. A healthy body is less likely to succumb to cancer.
