Cancer Treatment Suitable for the Elderly


Did you know that more than 60% of cancer sufferers turn out to be over 60 years old? Unfortunately, there are not so many cancer treatment options for the elderly.

This is because usually the elderly also have other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. As a result, the side effects that can arise from the treatment of the elderly are somewhat more serious.

What kinds of treatments can these parents go for?

The elderly who suffer from cancer may need to consult with experts before undergoing treatment. The elderly who suffer from cancer may need to consult with experts before undergoing treatment.

There are several treatment options that can be undertaken by the elderly, namely:
  • Operation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
Just like other treatments, all three have risks, especially in the elderly. This is because their bodies are no longer the same as when they were young.

Therefore, there are several considerations that they and their families should think about to get maximum results.

Before choosing what type of cancer treatment is suitable for the elderly, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor first. If the elderly is unable to perform surgery, there may be other options that are relatively safer to help treat cancer.

This is because there are some side effects that may occur after they do the surgery.
  • Interfering with heart function. When older people who also have heart problems undergo surgery, there are times when blood pressure suddenly rises and worsens the situation.
  • Requires a kidney that is functioning properly. Some organ functions in the elderly are generally not optimal anymore in old age, including the kidneys. Some postoperative drugs may make the kidney work harder to filter out the drug.
  • The function of the lung cannot hold air. Again, the problem of non-optimal bodily functions becomes a challenge. Especially if the elderly suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increase their difficulty to recover from the anesthetic.
Unlike surgery, chemotherapy will require a long time until the condition of the body of cancer sufferers improves. Normally, this treatment will last for weeks to months.

For cancer patients who are still young, the effects of chemotherapy can be felt so clearly, especially for the elderly.

Some side effects that might be felt include:
  • The number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets decreases thereby increasing the risk of anemia, bleeding, and the appearance of bruises in the body.
  • Indigestion, such as nausea and vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea.
  • Damage to the nervous system that can result in fast forgetting, often feeling tired, and other disorders.

Actually, there are tips that are effective enough to prevent cancer treatment complications for the elderly. For example, make a list of all your medicines. Starting from drugs without prescription, vitamins, supplements, and herbs.

Providing a list of medications taken by your doctor will further help them diagnose your condition before starting chemotherapy.

Cancer treatment for the elderly that may be done is radiation. Radiation is usually done outside your body or by placing small, radioactive objects inside your body, close to the location of the tumor.

Side effects arising from radiation therapy depends on the type, dose, and location of the cancer.

Given the greater risk for the treatment of elderly cancer, you and your family must consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate step. That way, you and your family can take the safest way and have minimal side effects for your elderly condition.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What’s The Difference Between Rosacea and Acne? You’re Red in the Skin

Effective Diet To Overcome Acne Problems

Your Lip Balm Doesn’t Work?