Which Cancer Screenings Does Your Senior Parent Need?

As people age, the tests and screenings they need as part of their regular medical care changes. Because risks for certain kinds of cancer increase as your parent gets older, they may need screenings they have not previously had.

Homecare Lexington NC – Which Cancer Screenings Does Your Senior Parent Need?

If you’re confused about which cancers your parent should be screened for, the best thing to do is to talk to your parent’s doctor. However, to give you an idea of which cancers the doctor should be screened for, below are the recommendations from the American Cancer Society for people aged 65 and older:

Cancer Screenings for Women

Your mom may not need all of the screenings listed below. Her doctor will determine which screenings she needs based on her risk factors.

Breast Cancer: In addition to your mom’s age, other risk factors that can increase her chances of getting breast cancer are lack of physical activity, a family history of breast cancer, and obesity. Women should have a mammogram at least every 2 years.

Lung Cancer: Women who smoke or have a history of smoking should be tested annually.

Colon Cancer: The American Cancer Society says that individuals should speak with their doctors about whether they should be tested and how often. Some risk factors that may influence the need for testing include being African American, a family history of colon cancer, smoking, and obesity.

Cervical Cancer: If your mom has a history of cervical pre-cancer, her doctor will probably want her to be screened annually.

Cancer Screenings for Men

Some of the screenings that your dad’s doctor might suggest for him are:

Lung Cancer: As with women, men who have a history of smoking should be screened each year. Other risk factors that could put your parent (your mom or your dad) at greater risk for lung cancer are exposure to asbestos, family history of lung cancer, and exposure to secondhand smoke.

Colon Cancer: Men should also talk to their doctors about their risk factors for colon cancer and whether they should be tested.

Prostate Cancer: Whether your dad needs prostate cancer screening depends on his overall health and his life expectancy. The American Cancer Society says that men who can expect to live at least 10 more years should talk to their doctors about the pros and cons of being tested.

If your parent is diagnosed with cancer, hiring a homecare provider through an agency can be a great benefit to both your parent and to family caregivers. Homecare providers can visit your parent in their home to help them with things that may become difficult due to cancer treatment, such as dressing, getting to the bathroom, and preparing meals. Homecare providers can also reduce the stress family members feel when a parent is undergoing cancer treatment because they can be there with your parent when you cannot, so you know your parent is being taken care of.

Sources:  https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/cancer-screening-guidelines/screening-recommendations-by-age.html#65_or_older
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/dxc-20188239
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/basics/risk-factors/con-20025531

If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Lexington NC, please contact the caring staff at Tender Hearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.