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Cancer in seniors is very dangerous because symptoms can be suppressed by taking medications for other conditions. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the most common types of cancer that affect the elderly, as well as what the oncological therapy looks like.
The most common neoplasms in the elderly
The most common cancers in the elderly are:
- colorectal cancer – the risk of developing the disease increases with age, which is why seniors are particularly vulnerable. Smoking cigarettes, frequent drinking of alcohol, lack of fiber in the diet and lack of physical activity are among the main causes of its occurrence. Initially, the disease does not produce any symptoms, so it is usually diagnosed only at an advanced stage;
- stomach cancer – usually patients attribute the symptoms of the tumor to peptic ulcer disease. For this reason, the patient goes to an advanced oncologist. Surgical treatment of stomach cancer is particularly difficult in seniors. The main causes of cancer include improper diet, the use of stimulants and work in which the patient was exposed to contact with chemicals;
- pancreatic cancer – the causes of cancer are not fully known. It is only known that smoking, diabetes and chronic pancreatitis contribute to the development of cancer;
- prostate cancer – usually affects elderly men. Initially, there may be no symptoms. Only at an advanced stage is there a constant need to urinate;
- lung cancer – most often affects people over 50, especially smokers and passive smokers. A worrying symptom of neoplasm is cough, which over time may be associated with haemoptysis;
- breast cancer – most common in women between the ages of 50 and 75. The growth in the area of the nipple appearing on the armpit side should cause anxiety.
Tumors of the elderly – unusual symptoms
In older people, some of the symptoms that are specific to a particular type of cancer may not be present. Often the patient goes to the oncologist only at an advanced stage. Medicines taken by the patient are partly responsible for this state of affairs. The elderly suffer from various diseases (hypertension, diabetes), for which pharmacotherapy is most often used. Mood swings, lack of appetite, as well as iron deficiency may also indicate cancer in the elderly.
Neoplasms of the elderly – treatment
Treating cancer in an elderly person is extremely difficult, because in most cases the patient goes to an advanced oncologist. In addition, other medical conditions and medications you are taking may make it difficult for the oncologist to receive adequate treatment. In addition, some patients may not have surgery to extend their lives. For this reason, often only treatment of the symptoms of cancer is implemented.
Tumors of the elderly – care
In the case of a senior who has cancer, the most important is the professional help of doctors and nurses. The relatives who help the sick in a difficult situation are also important. In some cases, constant medical care is needed, which involves transferring the patient to a special center.
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