As people age, the chances getting some kinds of cancer increases. That’s why it’s important for them to continue seeing their doctor regularly and get screened for certain kinds of cancer. Below are 5 kinds of cancer that the American Cancer Society recommends people aged 65 and older be screened for. 

#1: Colon Cancer 

Both men and women should be screened for colon cancer at least until the age of 75. If your older family member is between the ages of 76 and 85, they should talk to their doctor to determine whether or not they need to continue screening. In most cases, people over 85 are not screened for colon cancer. There are several options for colon cancer screening available. Seniors should discuss all their options with the doctor to determine which one is right for them. 

#2: Lung Cancer 

Whether your aging relative (male or female) should be screened for lung cancer depends on their smoking history. People who currently smoke or who quit smoking within the past 15 years may need to have an annual CT scan to detect lung cancer. The doctor may recommend screening if the senior has a 30-pack year history of smoking. That means they have smoked a pack a day for 30 years or two packs per day for 15 years. Before being tested for lung cancer, the senior should discuss the risks and limitations of the screening as well as its benefits. 

#3: Breast Cancer 

Women over 65 should continue to be screened for breast cancer. They should have a mammogram at least every two years but may choose to have one annually. If the senior is at higher risk for breast cancer, she may need additional tests.  

#4: Cervical Cancer 

If your aging relative has had regular cervical cancer screening for 10 years and the test results have been normal, there’s no need for them to continue screening. However, if results have been abnormal or if they have not been regularly screened, they may still need to be tested. 

#5: Prostate Cancer 

Whether or not prostate cancer is appropriate for an older adult male depends on several factors. One of them is whether he is expected to live for 10 or more years. His overall health should also be taken into consideration. Talk to the senior’s doctor about what is best for him. 

Elderly care can assist your aging relative to receive the cancer screenings they need. The elderly care provider can help them to schedule their screening appointments. In addition, an elderly care provider can drive the older adult to the facility where the testing is to be done.  

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elderly Care in Marana , AZ please contact the caring staff at Sunlife Home Care today at(877) 888-1311.

Sources 

https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/cancer-screening-guidelines/screening-recommendations-by-age.html