February is National Cancer Prevention Month and that means now is a great time to make sure that your senior parent has all their cancer screenings scheduled.
Your mom or dad should have regular cancer screenings for a variety of cancers. Seniors have a higher-than-average risk of developing some very serious cancers, but being diagnosed early increases the chances of successful treatment.
If your senior lives alone and no longer drives, home care can help them get to their medical appointments. Home care providers can take your mom or dad to medical appointments, make sure they get to the right office, stay with them through the appointments, and make sure that they get home safely.
If you have a job or small children and can’t always take time off to take your parent to an appointment, home care makes it easy for your mom or dad to get where they need to go. Check with your mom or dad’s doctor today and make sure they have screenings scheduled for common cancers like:
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers that seniors get, especially seniors with a history of smoking. Even nonsmokers can develop lung cancer due to exposure to secondhand smoke, pollution, or harmful substances like asbestos.
Early detection through screenings, such as a low-dose CT scan, can improve the chances of successful treatment. That’s why it’s so important for your mom or dad to get regular cancer screening every year, especially if they smoke or used to smoke. If your mom or dad still smokes, urge them to quit.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, including senior women. But, it can also affect men, particularly seniors. The risk increases with age due to hormonal changes and genetic factors. If your mom or dad has a history of breast cancer in their families, they have an even higher risk of developing it.
Regular mammograms are crucial for early detection, especially for women over 50. Your mom should be getting a mammogram every year even if she doesn’t have any symptoms of breast cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, particularly those over 65. It develops in the prostate gland, which plays a role in the male reproductive system.
Many cases of prostate cancer grow slowly and may not cause significant problems, which is why it’s important that your dad gets regular prostate cancer screenings.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and is common among seniors due to factors like diet, lifestyle, and genetics. Polyps, small growths in the colon, can turn into cancer if not detected and removed.
Regular screenings, like a colonoscopy, can catch colorectal cancer early or even prevent it by removing polyps. Your senior parent may be able to lower the risk of this cancer by eating a balanced diet with plenty of fiber. A home care provider in North Hampton, NH can prepare health, fiber-rich meals and snacks for your senior.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, is common in seniors due to years of sun exposure. People with fair skin or a history of sunburns are at higher risk.
Your mom or dad should be getting regular skin checks and protecting the skin from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and clothing. Wearing sunscreen is also a good preventative measure that all seniors should take.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in North Hampton, NH, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH today! 603-824-8200
Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH provides exceptional home in Portsmouth, Rye, New Castle, North Hampton, Hampton, Stratham, Exeter, Durham, Dover, Seabrook, Greenland, Rochester, Hampton Falls and surrounding areas.
