Seniors Living with Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a disease where cancerous cells affect tissue in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. It is caused when abnormal cells in the organ over-take healthy cells, spreading throughout the prostate, growing out of control. There is no way to determine how slow or aggressive prostate cancer will spread throughout the body, but there is a better chance for successful treatment if diagnosed early.
Home Health Care in Northbrook IL: Prostate Cancer Tips
The age at which the American Cancer Society recommends men get screened for prostate cancer varies based on certain risk factors:
Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least ten more years
Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer, including African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).
Prostate cancer is one of the more common cancers affecting men, especially male seniors. The second leading cause of death from cancer, one in every nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Of that, six in ten men aged 65 and older will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. In 2019 alone, doctors diagnosed 174,650 cases of prostate cancer.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
It is important that family caregivers speak to their loved ones about the symptoms of prostate cancer as they can be passed off as symptoms of aging. An elder care professional providing consistent services may be able to pick up on frequent complaints of:
- Trouble urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Pelvic discomfort
- Bone pain
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in other parts of the body
- Elder care can help with support seniors with prostate cancer
While there is no sure way to predict who will develop prostate cancer or a way to prevent the disease, elder care professionals can support seniors and their treatment process. Those being treated for prostate cancer need:
Emotional Support – Elder care professionals can aid seniors battling the disease in finding ways to cope with having cancer to avoid depression and anxiety. Professionals give seniors someone to talk to as they go through the various stages of treatment. They can also find methods to help seniors relax, whether it is through meditation, yoga, or watching a favorite tv show or movie.
Diet and exercise – Seniors with cancer should avoid foods high in fat and cholesterol, opting for fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. An elder care professional can create and prepare menus to meet specific dietary needs. Consistent exercise coupled with a healthy diet will help seniors maintain an appropriate weight conducive to their treatment goals.
Ways to enjoy life – Fighting cancer can be an ominous task. Yet, while in the fight, seniors should be reminded that they still have a life to live. Elder care professionals can help seniors appreciate the small things that make life exceptional. Whether it is reflecting on past accomplishments, family, or looking forward and learning a new skill, keeping one’s spirits high can only aid any medical treatment.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Northbrook, IL, call the caring staff at LifeCare Home Health & In-Home Services. Call (888) 606-4199 LifeCare serves all of the Chicago Metro Area.
Sources
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