With age, the need to put health first becomes essential, especially when it comes to testing for possible issues that might arise, such as cancer. While cancer is a complicated disease that can happen to anyone, seniors aging cells and the fact that they’ve been exposed to more external factors over time might put them more at risk. Luckily, regular checkups can help find cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat. This blog post talks about important cancer screenings seniors may need to make sure they get preventative health care. With the help of their elder care team and loved ones, they can gain encouragement to take a proactive part in their overall health.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Screening tests, such as colonoscopies or fecal hidden blood tests (FOBT), can find problems in the colon and rectum. Starting at age 50, most people should get regular screenings, but people with a family history of the disease or other risk factors may need to start earlier.

Breast Cancer Screening

Women should get regular mammograms to find breast cancer early, which is a major health issue. Mammograms should be done every two years for women ages 50 to 74. However, several factors in seniors’ medical histories might warrant more frequent screenings.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Blood tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal exams (DRE) are popular ways to check for this type of cancer. Talking to a healthcare provider about risk factors and opinions is the best way to decide when and if seniors should get screened.

Lung Cancer Screening

Seniors who have smoked in the past, have been around people who smoke or have other risk factors may be told to get a lung cancer screening. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans can find problems with the lungs early on, which improves the chances of treatment working.

Skin Cancer Screening

Regular skin examinations are important, especially for seniors with a history of sun exposure. Dermatologists can find spots or other skin growths that look fishy and could be signs of skin cancer. Seniors should also check themselves and let their healthcare provider know right away about any changes. The elder care team is also able to monitor at-risk situations by reminding seniors to protect against UV rays, as well as monitor spots that might be of concern.

Cervical Cancer Screening

This might seem like a screening reserved for younger women, but older women who have had abnormal Pap smears in the past or who have certain risk factors may still need to get regular tests. Screening can be done more or less often, depending on a person’s health history.

Ovarian Cancer Screening

There isn’t a generally accepted routine test for ovarian cancer, but seniors should be aware of the signs and talk to their doctor about any worries they have. Genetic and family backgrounds may make it necessary to do more targeted monitoring.

Cancer screenings are an important part of senior health care because they can find cancer early and improve the results of treatment. Seniors need to have open and honest conversations with their healthcare workers. Personalized screening plans, based on individual health histories and risk factors, can ensure a proactive and thorough approach to cancer prevention in the senior population.

Seniors can live longer and better lives by getting regular screenings and living a healthy lifestyle. With the help of the elder care team and loved ones, seniors can discuss their options and get the screenings they need.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care in Greer, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.

Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia, and the surrounding areas.

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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