Cancer Awareness

Articles

Feb 1

This year, World Cancer Day has been dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals with cancer and how hard it can be to have their needs met. Individuals diagnosed with cancer have doctor’s appointments, medicines, treatments, special diets, and so much more. It truly changes a person’s entire life and their ability to access resources that would otherwise be easily navigable for someone who isn’t sick. In order for individuals to be able to get the care they deserve, they must have access to medical services. The health inequities that affect so much of the world’s population make it extremely difficult for individuals to receive the cancer care they seek. Factors like race, gender, age, ethnicity, and social status are just a few factors that prevent people from getting help. Through education of the public as well as health care workers about what these inequities look like, changing policies regarding medical access, and giving more resources to those who have cancer, hope is more possible during such a taxing time for individuals and their families. We can work together to close the care gap.

Cancer Overview

There are over 100 different types of cancers. The type that each person can be diagnosed with is determined by many different factors such as DNA disposition, issues that occur as cells divide at any point in life, substances such as tobacco, or excessive ultraviolet rays are just a few examples.

The older we get, the harder it is for our body to break down damaged cells that may cause cancer, which is why cancer is found more commonly in older adults. Many cancers are found in people aged 65 and older.

Common Types of Cancer in Older Adults

Certain cancers take a long time to detect and typically occur more exclusively in older adults. Cancers found in the breasts, colon, bladder, prostate, and lungs are some of those found primarily in individuals 65 and older.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is most commonly found in women over the age of 60. It is suggested by most health professionals that women begin routine mammogram tests after reaching adulthood. With early detection, individuals can survive breast cancer. In fact, in recent years, due to advances in technology, research, and early detection, it is estimated that at least 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will survive at least five years after diagnosis.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is most commonly found in people at least 67 years old. At age 45, healthcare professionals recommend beginning screening practices through a colonoscopy. These screenings can provide the necessary warning signs to detect colon cancer before it progresses. Often, doctors are able to identify the growths (polyps) that can form within the colon which cause colon cancer, and remove them before they become an issue.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is typically found in individuals who are over the age of 65. Although over 70% of individuals diagnosed with bladder cancer survive five years past diagnosis, there is no screening process in place to detect this disease. Instead, healthcare professionals recommend tests based on family history or look for warning signs and symptoms. Different forms of urination problems are indicators of bladder cancer, such as painful urination, blood in urine, and urination frequency changes (too often or too infrequently).

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer primarily affects men who are over age 65. This form of cancer has a high survivability rate, as nearly 98% of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer are alive five years post-diagnosis. Screenings are necessary to prevent prostate cancer and can be relatively easy. During a routine physical, healthcare professionals can conduct a screening, or perform a test that identifies particular antigens present.

Lung Cancer

The majority of individuals diagnosed with lung cancer are over 70 years old. Lung cancer is one of the most fatal cancers, with a five-year survival rate of only 21%. Although it is a dangerous form of cancer, most healthcare professionals do not recommend routine screening for lung cancer unless the individual has been an active smoker for over 30 years. A CT scan can show your doctor whether any cancer is present in your lungs.

Occupational Therapy for Individuals with Cancer

After a cancer diagnosis, many aspects of life may change for an individual. Occupational therapy aims in providing support for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as well as improving a person’s overall quality of life. Either due to the illness itself or the effects of treatment, many elderly individuals experience changes in their abilities. This may affect how they are able to prepare meals for themselves, get dressed, bathe, or perform basic self-care tasks. Adjusting to this difference can be difficult for some, but occupational therapists can assist in developing a treatment plan that includes changes to routine and assistance to help individuals live as independently as possible.

Physical Therapy for Individuals with Cancer

Pain and mobility are two aspects of cancer treatment that must be managed for most individuals. Physical therapists help individuals decrease pain throughout their body by implementing specialized routines to help them maintain physical activity in the ways they are able. Physical therapy can help identify support exercises that strengthen the body and promote endurance in ways that are safe and meet the individual at their current level of ability.

Speech Therapy for Individuals with Cancer

Changes to mental ability can be a result in some cases of cancer treatment. Often, this includes the ability to form speech or memory abilities. It can be frustrating to experience a “fog” that prevents individuals from being as eloquent as they once were. Speech-language pathologists can assist in rebuilding language skills and assist individuals experiencing these changes in mental ability through specialized treatment plans.

Although cancer is prevalent in individuals of advanced age, the positive side is that most forms of cancer have a high survivability rate due to advances in current medicine and technology. It is important that individuals diagnosed with cancer seek assistance through Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy in order to promote a better quality of life for the future.

If you or a loved one are seeking assistance after cancer diagnosis or treatment, contact the team at Tilton’s Therapy in your region to learn about how therapeutic intervention can help.