Cancer strikes people of all ages, but as your parents age, they are more likely to get cancer, even if no one in the family has had it. The good news is that cancer death rates are going down. No matter what your parent's age, the chances of surviving cancer are better today than ever before. Here is some information that will help family caregivers as they care for their aging parents, and watch for the signs of cancer.
What is Cancer?
There are many kinds of cancer but they all begin when cells in a part of the body become abnormal and start making more cells. These extra cells form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. If the tumor gets bigger, it can hurt nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells also can break away and spread to other parts of the body.
When cancer is found early, treatment is more likely to work. Early cancer treatment often can shrink or destroy the tumor and stop it from growing and spreading. It may help to get regular checkups and to know the symptoms of cancer.
Cancer Symptoms
Cancer can cause many different symptoms in your elderly parent. Here are some things that caregivers can watch for:
- A thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body
- A new mole or a change in an existing mole
- A sore that does not heal
- Hoarseness or a cough that does not go away
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Discomfort after eating
- A hard time swallowing
- Weight gain or loss with no known reason
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Feeling weak or very tired
Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. They may be caused by non-cancerous (benign) tumors or other problems. If your elderly parent is having any of these symptoms or other changes in health, see a doctor as soon as possible. Don't wait to feel pain. In its early stages, cancer usually doesn't cause pain.