Introduction
The name cancer gives fear and difficulty in living, but when it strikes among the elderly population, it presents unique challenges. As life expectancy continues to rise, geriatric cancer patients are also on the upswing. Effective cancer care decisions are crucial for this demographic, as they often face distinct medical, psychological, and social considerations. Cancer care provides valuable insights for geriatric individuals, helping patients, families, and healthcare professionals make informed decisions. Cancer is a tough challenge and even more complex when it affects older people. With aging, our bodies change, which can make cancer care a bit different for seniors.
What Is Cancer Care for Geriatric People?
Cancer care for geriatric individuals involves a specialized approach to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support of elderly patients with cancer. It considers the physiological changes that come with aging, such as diminished organ function and the presence of other diseases, which impact the management and outcomes of cancer treatment. Geriatric oncology is an interdisciplinary field that tailor's cancer care to the unique needs and circumstances of elderly patients.
What Are the Causes of Cancer?
Changes or mutations in our genes can increase the risk of cancer. These inherited genetic changes occur during our lifetime. Environmental exposure to certain chemicals and substances in our environment, like tobacco, smoke, asbestos, and radiation (including UV rays from the sun), can damage our DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and increase cancer risk. Hormones play a role in some cancers. For instance, exposure to estrogen leads to breast cancer. A diet lacking in fruits, vegetables, and fiber while high in processed and red meats can contribute to cancer risk. Chronic inflammation, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), produces certain cancers. Some jobs involve exposure to cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) like asbestos, benzene, and formaldehyde, which can raise cancer risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Cancer?
-
Unintentional weight loss.
-
Pain.
-
Skin changes like darkening, yellowing, and redness.
-
Chronic constipation or diarrhea, blood in the stool.
-
Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
-
Chronic cough or hoarseness.
-
Changes in the breast, such as lumps and nipple discharge.
-
Unexplained lumps or swelling in the body.
-
Shortness of breath or wheezing.
-
Persistent headaches.
-
Vision changes.
-
Pain in the bones and joints.
-
Changes in appetite.
What Complications Occur When Cancer Care Is Not Given to Older People?
When cancer care is not provided to older people, several negative complications can occur, both for the individual and society. Untreated cancer can cause pain, discomfort, and other distressing symptoms that significantly reduce the lifespan of older people. This can lead to physical suffering and emotional distress.
Lack of cancer care can lead to higher mortality rates among older individuals with cancer. If cancer is detected earlier, it is easy to cure and give treatment, but without timely intervention, survival rates decline. Cancer-related symptoms and complications, such as pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, can cause unnecessary patient suffering when care is not provided. Inadequate cancer care produces higher health costs, more complex medical interventions, hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs for both the individual and the healthcare system.
How to Diagnose Cancer in Older People?
Examining the family history of an affected person is important in the cancer diagnosis. Various imaging techniques (X-rays, CT scans) are used to visualize internal structures and detect abnormal growths. A tissue sample (biopsy) is taken from the suspected tumor or affected area to diagnose cancer. This sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine the type of cancer and its characteristics.
A person's health is obtained from blood tests and specific markers associated with certain cancers, such as PSA (prostate-specific antigen) for prostate cancer or CA-125 for ovarian cancer. To examine the inside of the body parts, a flexible tube (with a camera) is used, such as the colon (colonoscopy) or the stomach (upper endoscopy). Cancer can be determined in the lymph nodes, where cancer starts spreading.
This can be done through imaging, biopsy, or surgical removal of lymph nodes. Once cancer is confirmed, it is staged to determine the extent of its spread. Staging helps guide treatment decisions and prognosis. The TNM system (Tumor, Nodes, Metastasis) is commonly used for staging. Based on the diagnosis and staging, patients are referred to appropriate oncologists (medical, surgical, radiation) specializing in cancer treatment.
What Kind of Drugs Used for Cancer Care?
Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing, killing, or slowing down cell growth. Targeted therapies target specific molecules involved in cancer growth, often with fewer side effects than chemotherapy. Immunotherapy is involved to recognise and destroy cancer cells by increasing the body's immune system. Hormone Therapy blocks hormones that engage in the development of prostate or breast cancer. To manage cancer-related pain, ranging from over-the-counter drugs to opioids for severe pain. Blood cell growth factors stimulates the production of blood cells, reducing the risk of infection and anemia during treatment.
Conclusion
Caring for older people with cancer is important. It involves special attention to their unique needs. Doctors consider their age, overall health, and the type of cancer when making treatment decisions. The goal is to improve their quality of life while addressing cancer. This care includes managing symptoms, offering emotional support, and involving family members or caregivers. By tailoring cancer care to the elderly, the aim to help them live comfortably and meaningfully despite cancer's challenges. It is about providing the best possible care and support to older individuals as they face this difficult journey.
