Cancer And Ageing

By Author: joe swails
Total Articles: 29
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What is cancer?
Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the body begin to grow, divide and reproduce in an uncontrollable way. These abnormal cells then invade and destroy healthy tissue, including organs.

What about the elderly and cancer?
50 per cent of all cancers (bowel, lung, breast and prostate cancer) occur in the elderly, with people who are 70 or older being particularly susceptible to developing the disease.

Many healthcare professionals agree and suggest that the reason for these cancers not being treated in time (before they have reached an advanced stage), could be linked to people in this age group in the UK being of a different and more reticent generation, making them less likely to make mention of or complain about symptoms.

These days, people are living longer. If you are of retirement age or older, warning signs of possible cancer that you should not ignore include: a lump, a mole that changes in size, shape and colour; unexplained weight-loss and a persistent cough.

Symptoms
Symptoms of cancer can include fever, extreme tiredness, unexplained weight-loss, ...
... blood clots, lumps, pain, itching, skin changes (such as darker-looking skin, yellowish skin and eyes, and reddened skin), excessive hair growth, changes in bowel habits, and sores that do not heal.

Other symptoms can include white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue, blood in the stool, blood in the phlegm, unusual vaginal bleeding, and a bloody discharge from the nipple.

The great danger with older people and cancer is that often their symptoms are regarded or even dismissed by many healthcare professionals as being simply an inevitable part of the ageing process. This is grossly unfair and could even prove fatal. Older people with cancer deserve the same respect and treatment as younger people. That is why it is imperative if an older person makes mention of symptoms that could be cancer-related, these are investigated in full.

Causes
There is no single cause for any one type of cancer. However, causes can include smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight, viruses or bacterial infection.

Other causes can include ageing, genetic make-up, your immune system, transplanted organs, the sun, workplace hazards such as asbestos, natural and man-made radiation, and other factors.

Diagnosis
A diagnosis of cancer can be based upon an individual’s symptoms, physical examination results, and screening test results. Also, if you suffer an injury of some kind, cancer can be detected through abnormalities brought to light through an X-ray.

Older people and talking to a doctor about cancer
As we have seen in this article, many older people can be reluctant to talk about their symptoms, or even mention them at all, having come from a generation where people were more likely to keep their problems to themselves, rather than ‘bother’ doctors with their problems. Although this is completely understandable, this can also prove fatal as, if not diagnosed at an early stage, it is well-known that cancer can be terminal.

Other problems older people often have when it comes to discussing their symptoms are that often their eyesight and hearing can hinder the discussions. Don’t let this stop you from making an appointment to see your GP (or from attending appointments with your cancer care team) as they will be experienced in coping with this and you can also have information in large print, information tapes and/or CDs, and even a professional person trained in sign language attend your consultations, to make communication between you and your doctor and your care team much easier.

Transport for older people with cancer
If you have been diagnosed with cancer (or are concerned that you may be experiencing the symptoms of cancer) but are not well enough to leave your home or are reliant on public transport, then it can be arranged for your GP to visit you at home.

Also, your GP will be able to tell you about transport options such as ambulance cars, taxis funded by the NHS, and ‘area drivers’ who will be able to transport you to and from Outpatients in return for petrol costs.

Effect on your life
Being diagnosed with cancer can be an extremely shocking and emotional experience. Most people immediately see the blackest scenario. That said, many older people appear to cope better with their confirmed diagnosis of cancer than younger people do. This usually stems from them having more life experience where they have already been through many difficult times. They may also have experience of cancer through a family member or lifelong friend having the disease. And so cancer and the terminology around cancer is not new for them, and therefore not as shocking.

Through consultations you will be encouraged to ask any questions, even if you fear they may seem trivial to someone else. Cancer nurse specialists are attuned to responding to your questions and will understand your needs. If possible it is advisable to take someone who is emotionally strong with you to your consultations, to act as a support.

Cancer will obviously have an enormous impact on your life. But the good news is that for many people there is life after cancer.

While undergoing treatment (and in the period afterwards) you may be given a choice as to where you actually want to be cared for. The options usually include: at home where you can be surrounded every day by loved ones, friends and neighbours; in a residential and/or nursing home where you can avail of either short or long term care; or in a hospice. So, if you do receive a confirmed diagnosis of cancer, do take some time to consider these options, and also discuss them with your family so that they too are able to offer you the best care in accordance with their other life responsibilities in the day-in-day-out.

Treatments
It is a common misconception that someone can be ‘too old’ for cancer treatment. Cancer treatments include chemotherapy (a general term for treatments that use chemical agents/drugs that kill cancer cells), radiotherapy (high-energy radiation treatment) and surgery (normally an operation to remove cancerous growths, tissues or organs).

Initially, you may undergo a minor operation called a biopsy – where a few cancer cells are taken for analysis.

Getting your affairs in order if your cancer is terminal
If you are told that you will not recover from cancer, you should be given some kind of idea of how much time remains for you to do things, such as make a will. Although this will obviously be an extremely difficult time for you and your family, by seeing to your affairs you will be protecting your loved ones from what can often be complex bureaucratic issues such as establishing inheritance rights and also the managing of bank accounts.

Advice & Support
Cancer Research UK
Tel: 020 7121 6699, 020 7242 0200
Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org

Macmillan Cancer Support
Tel: Helpline 0808 800 1234 (free phone)
Tel: 020 7739 2280 (standard rate)
Website: www.cancerbackup.org.uk

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