Dealing with a Cancer Diagnosis Later in Life

Cancer and Aging: What Seniors Need to Know This World Cancer DayAs we age, our risk of developing certain health conditions, including cancer, increases. For seniors, understanding the relationship between aging and cancer is crucial for prevention, early detection, and treatment. This World Cancer Day, lets explore how aging impacts cancer risk and what seniors can do to stay informed, proactive, and healthy.What Seniors Need to Know About Cancer and Aging Increased Risk with Age Aging is the most significant risk factor for cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than half of all cancer cases occur in individuals aged 65 and older. This increased risk is due to a combination of factors, including genetic changes over time, weakened immune systems, and prolonged exposure to carcinogens. Common Cancers in Seniors Certain types of cancer are more prevalent among seniors. These include breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers. Being aware of the common cancers and their symptoms can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes. Importance of Regular Screenings Routine cancer screenings become even more critical with age. Screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, and PSA tests can detect cancers early, often before symptoms appear. Seniors should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the screenings appropriate for their age and health history. Lifestyle Choices Matter A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce cancer risk, even in older adults. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol consumption are key steps seniors can take to lower their cancer risk. Advances in Cancer Treatment for Seniors Medical advancements have made cancer treatments more effective and tolerable for older adults. Personalized treatment plans take into account an individuals age, overall health, and cancer type, ensuring the best possible care. Seniors should feel empowered to discuss their options with their oncologists. Mental Health and Cancer A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, especially for seniors who may already face other health concerns. Support from family, friends, and mental health professionals is vital. Participating in support groups can also provide comfort and encouragement. Caregiving and Support Systems Many seniors rely on caregivers during their cancer journey. Whether its family members or professional caregivers, a strong support system ensures seniors receive the care and attention they need, both physically and emotionally. Additional Tips for Seniors and Their Families Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest cancer research, treatments, and prevention strategies. Reliable sources include the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Cancer Society. Maintain Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to healthcare providers can help identify potential issues early. Practice Sun Safety: Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves, especially during outdoor activities. Get Vaccinated: Vaccines like the HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines can protect against viruses linked to certain cancers. Build a Healthy Routine: Incorporate regular exercise, a nutrient-rich diet, and stress-relieving activities into your daily life. This World Cancer Day, lets focus on empowering seniors with the knowledge and tools they need to combat cancer. Aging doesnt mean being powerless against cancer. By staying proactive, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking regular medical care, seniors can reduce their risk and improve their quality of life. Take charge of your health this World Cancer Day! At Seniors Blue Book, we're here to empower seniors and their families with valuable resources and support for cancer prevention and care. Dont waitconnect with us today to explore local healthcare options, cancer screenings, and lifestyle tips to reduce risk and enhance your well-being. Call us at 800-201-9989 or Email: info@seniorsbluebook.comTogether, lets prioritize health and take steps to combat cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and its the perfect time to talk about the importance of breast cancer prevention and detection. At Intermountain Health, were dedicated to helping you stay ahead of cancer with our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic. Lets dive into why early detection is crucial and how we can support you.Why Prevention and Early Detection MatterBreast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but the good news is that early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Regular mammograms are a key part of breast cancer screening because they can detect cancer early when its most treatable. However, for those at high risk due to genetic factors, mammograms alone might not be enough.Maricel Purcell, a Cancer Genetics Nurse Practitioner at our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic, explains, Regular mammograms are a crucial component of breast cancer screening and can detect cancer early when its treatable. However, for individuals at high risk due to genetic factors, mammograms alone may not be sufficient.Understanding Your RiskKnowing your genetic risk can help you take proactive steps to protect your health.Understanding your genetic risk allows you to take proactive steps to protect your health. Having this information doesnt mean you will definitely develop cancer. It means you have the opportunity to take preventive measures and make informed decisions about your health, says Purcell.If you have a family history of cancer, especially if cancers occurred at a young age or if multiple family members are affected, you should consider seeing a cancer genetics provider. Indicators also include having a known genetic mutation in the family, multiple types of cancer in a single individual, or belonging to certain groups with higher prevalence of specific mutations.Personalized Care at Intermountain HealthAt Intermountain Health, we offer a range of services to help manage and reduce your cancer risk. Our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic provides:Genetic Testing: To identify specific gene mutations that increase cancer risk.Increased Screening and Surveillance: Including additional methods like breast MRI, which can detect cancers that mammograms might miss.Personalized Management Plans: Tailored to your specific risk profile to catch cancer early or reduce your risk.Lifestyle Recommendations: Tips on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to lower your cancer risk.Support Resources: Counseling and support groups to help you navigate your journey. Telehealth OptionsOne of the standout features of our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic is the availability of telehealth options. You can have video visits with our specialists without having to leave your house. This makes it easier than ever to get the care you need without the hassle of travel. Whether its a genetic counseling session or a follow-up appointment, our telehealth services ensure you stay connected with your healthcare team.Were shifting the focus from treatment to prevention as often as possible. And we do this all from the comfort of your own home, says Purcell.'Knowledge Is Power'Finding out you may be at high risk for cancer can be overwhelming, but youre not alone. For those feeling overwhelmed, I offer resources such as counseling and support groups and I ensure they know they are not alone in this journey, Purcell reassures.Sabrina Feldman, a vibrant 39-year-old from Denver, Colorado, recently embarked on a life-changing journey at Intermountain Healths high-risk cancer prevention clinic. With a family history of cancer, Sabrina always had a nagging feeling about her health. On the back of my mind, I could have a high risk, she shared. Her grandparents had died of ovarian cancer, but it wasnt until her cousin tested positive for BRCA 2 about four years ago that Sabrina started to connect the dots.Despite her sister testing negative for the gene, Sabrina decided to move forward with her own testing in September, assuming she wouldnt have it. Sure enough, I did have it, she said. This revelation set her on a proactive path to ensure her health and safety. I took all the proactive things. I figured any preventative things I can do to make sure I am healthy and safe and can live a long life without something being invasive.Her journey began with genetic counseling and imaging. As soon as the genetic counselor sent my primary care provider the results, she immediately called for imaging, Sabrina recalled. The day she went for her mammogram and sonogram was nerve-wracking. If I thought I didnt have BRCA 2 and I did, now every result would be the same. I panicked. Fortunately, the results came back in just five hours, and everything was negative. We have detected no abnormal cells, she was told, which brought immense relief.Sabrina then reached out to a medical oncologist for further options and opportunities. She met Lisa Ahrendt, MD, who was incredibly supportive. She was very clear, you know you are supposed to get the surgeries right away and your ovaries removed. So I was nervous going into the appointment. She kept saying when or if you decided to move forward. She heard me, she saw me. Nothing was scary.Dr. Ahrendt spent an hour discussing the best course of action for Sabrina, making her feel comfortable and understood. This is something youll have to deal with and monitor, it doesnt mean you have to take action, Dr. Ahrendt reassured her. Sabrina felt empowered by the knowledge and the support she received. Knowledge is power. You cant make any decisions until you have all the answers. Make sure you know that there are options.Sabrinas journey isnt over yet. She has a couple more screenings lined up and is considering her options carefully.The clinic has created a supportive community for Sabrina. This clinic created such a great community. Find a place that you feel comfortable and heard in is so important. With the help of a social worker and a streamlined team of specialists, Sabrina feels at ease. Its now out of my mind. Is this going to be looming over me forever? I felt like everything was there. It makes it so easy and so approachable.Sabrinas story is a testament to the power of knowledge and the importance of a supportive healthcare community. Her proactive approach and the care she received have empowered her to take control of her health and her future.At Intermountain Health, were here to support you with personalized care and comprehensive services. If you think you might be at high risk, dont hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment.

Early detection of lung cancer increases your odds of successful treatment and celebrating more birthdays. But a lung cancer screening comes with a few risks, too. So, should you get checked?The American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) say yes if you meet certain criteria tied to long-time cigarette use.Lets take a closer look at your options with pulmonologist Peter Mazzone, MD, MPH.Who should get a lung cancer screening?A lung cancer screening isnt for everyone, states Dr. Mazzone. Its recommended only for adults who are at high risk for the disease which explains why screening guidelines are pretty specific.The USPSTF suggests an annual lung cancer screening if all of the following apply:  Youre between age 50 and 80.Youve smoked at least 20 pack-years of cigarettes. (To calculate pack-years, multiply the average number of packs smoked per day by the number of years you smoked. So, 20 pack-years is one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years).You currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.Its also important that youre healthy enough to benefit from finding and treating early-stage lung cancer. People who get tested dont typically have symptoms of lung cancer.If someone comes to us in a wheelchair already wearing oxygen and couldnt tolerate treatment, they typically arent eligible for screening, clarifies Dr. Mazzone. However, there are nearly 15 million Americans who are at high risk and should receive screening.It should be noted, too, that a lung cancer screening is a quick and painless imaging exam. It uses low-dose computed tomography, or low-dose CT, to capture very detailed pictures of your lungs.Why is lung cancer screening important?As noted, lung cancer often doesnt announce itself with early symptoms. So, without an annual screening, lung cancer is often detected once the disease has progressed and spread which makes successful treatment less likely.People with lung cancer have about an 80% chance of being alive five years later if the cancer is diagnosed and treatment begins during Stage 1. The five-year survival rate is about 4% if tumors have spread.That leads us to this alarming reality: Only about 1 in 4 people with lung cancer are diagnosed before the cancer spreads. Early detection is key to changing that, says Dr. Mazzone.Are lung cancer screenings perfect? Of course not. Scans sometimes detect small spots called nodules that look concerning but are basically harmless little scars. Radiation exposure is a concern, too. Ditto for overdiagnosis of conditions and additional testing and stress.But the benefits of lung cancer screening still outweigh any potential harm for many people, notes Dr. Mazzone.How often is lung cancer found during a screening?Lung cancer is found in about 1 in every 140 people who get screened. This may sound like a small number, but its about the same or better than the results for breast cancer and colon cancer screening.How to decide whether to get a lung screening?A counseling session is often required before a lung cancer screening so you can discuss lung cancer risks, the screening process, benefits and potential harm. It can be a complex and difficult decision for people to make.Many people value the potential benefit of screening so much theyre happy to accept them, explains Dr. Mazzone. Others may have a different perspective. Talk to your doctor to help decide whats best for you.And because the test is annual, the decision on whether to do it can be revisited every year.This article was written by Lungs, Breathing and Allergy Team from Cleveland Clinic and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive.Contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for your medicare and health insurance needs. Contact them at 251-344-2115