Marjorie, all prescription medications that are available in the U.S. go through a rigorous approval process dictated by the FDA. The pharmaceuticals must go through human clinical trials, and everything the participants experience during the trial must be reported. This includes if a participant develops cancer during the trial. This doesn't necessarily mean that the cancer was caused by the pharmaceutical, it just means that when the clinicians interviewed or examined a participant, cancer was reported. In reality, unless a drug has been around for many years and there was a preponderance of reports of cancer associated with the use of that pharmaceutical during that time, this is the only definitive way to know the use of that particular drug is directly correlated with causing cancer. This is a very simplified version of a very complex process. I hope this information helps you make a decision and puts your mind at ease.
If this is to prevent UTIs (and I believe these are often prescribed to prevent vaginal dryness which sometimes contributes to predisposisition to UTIs) then I think the benefits outweigh the risks of cancer, especially given moms age.
Why was it prescribed? What are the chances it will work as intended? Are there any other medications that can be tried first that have less of a risk?
With any medication there is a Benefit VS Burden with any choice we make.
Personal opinion here but... Your mom has Alzheimer's. There is no cure, she will continue to decline. If the medication will help her in any way is it worth the risk? Alzheimer's VS Cancer.... She HAS Alzheimer's She MIGHT get cancer.
Sorry this is not a yes or no answer. Most questions in life are not easy yes/no answers. You make the best decision based upon the information you have and trust your gut. Don't look back and regret because you make the best choice possible when it was made.
With any medication there is a Benefit VS Burden with any choice we make.
Personal opinion here but...
Your mom has Alzheimer's. There is no cure, she will continue to decline.
If the medication will help her in any way is it worth the risk?
Alzheimer's VS Cancer....
She HAS Alzheimer's
She MIGHT get cancer.
Sorry this is not a yes or no answer. Most questions in life are not easy yes/no answers.
You make the best decision based upon the information you have and trust your gut. Don't look back and regret because you make the best choice possible when it was made.