Why Does Cancer Mostly Occur in Older Age? Approaches to Treatment in Older Adults

Age is the most important risk factor in the formation and development of cancer. Of cancer patients, 60 percent are aged 65 or older. You should know that age is one of the important factors in your cancer and treatment.

The best treatment plan varies depending on overall health, lifestyle, preferences and other factors. This article we have compiled for you contains information on why cancer occurs in older people, ways to cope with concerns, and information that may help with your treatment and recovery plans.

Why Is Cancer a Disease of Older Age?

As is known, the fundamental cause of cancer is DNAdamage accumulating and causing uncontrolled cell proliferation. In everyday life, we are exposed to numerous carcinogens . Our body’s DNA repair systemeffectively repairs DNA damage. Our immune system cells also eliminate cells multiplying uncontrollably. With advancing age and increased exposure to carcinogens, DNA damage cannot be repaired effectively and the immune system weakens. Abnormal cell proliferation basically occurs as a result of these processes.

Although cancer is a disease of older age, it also occurs in young people. Factors contributing to this include hereditary factors, intense exposure to carcinogens and lifestyle.

How Can Older Age Affect Cancer Treatment?

If you are an older patient with cancer, understanding how cancer treatment will affect you is important. During treatment, you may have concerns and questions on your mind. You can tell members of your healthcare team about them and ask questions. They will offer suggestions that can support you. Examples of situations you may encounter and tips for addressing them include:

• If you have another disease or a disability, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about all your medicines and your treatment plan. Make sure your oncologist communicates with your other doctors. It is important for your entire healthcare team to know your situation.
• If you are worried about undergoing treatment and attending appointments, talk to your family and healthcare team about treatment options. A social worker on your cancer care team can help you learn about your options. 
• You may need help with daily activities (such as shopping, dressing or caring for your family). Options include asking friends or family members for help, obtaining outside assistance or finding help through a nonprofit organization, senior center or spiritual community.
• You may need help with meals. Healthy eatingis one of the most important parts of cancer treatment. Older adults are more likely to lose weight unintentionally during treatment. This may cause other health problems. Options include having friends or family prepare meals, keeping the most suitable foods in your pantry and ordering meals if your budget allows.

If you have certain health problems;

Some serious health conditions are more common in adults over 65. These include:

• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Lung disease (such as COPD)
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Arthritis (joint rheumatism

Your doctor may diagnose these existing conditions at the same time as cancer. Learn how chronic health problems can affect cancer and treatment in older adults.

Learn how a health assessment is performed. A comprehensive check of your overall health before starting treatment will be useful. A health assessment generally needs to check:

• Vision and hearing
• Additional medicines being taken
• Any condition that poses a risk
• Eating habits and weight
• Emotional health 
• Your physical health – Your doctor may perform a complete physical examination, including checking chronic conditions and working with your other doctors on these conditions.
• Your care needs – For example, which activities you can do alone and what help you may need. This may involve balance checks, walking speed, strength, thinking and memory.

Learn About Treatment Options and the Treatment Process

You have the right to know all treatment options. You should decide on cancer treatment together with your doctor.

Sample questions to learn about your options:

• What is the name and type of cancer that I have?
• How did you diagnose it?
• Which tests did you perform? What are the results?
• Do I need more tests?
• What stage is the cancer, and what does this mean?

Sample questions about treatment:

• What are my treatment options?
• Which clinical trials can I participate in?
• Which treatment plan do you recommend, and why? 
• Who is responsible for treatment?
• Will I stay in hospital for care after treatment?
• What are the possible side effects of treatment?
• I would like to know what I may experience during treatment and shortly afterward. Also, what should I expect in the long term?

Questions about cancer support:

• Who is on the healthcare team? 
• Who can I talk to about the cost of cancer treatment?
• What support services are available for me and my family?

To Feel Less Alone;

It is true that, as one consequence of a modern / Western lifestyle, our families have become smaller and we are increasingly isolated. Some ways to feel less alone include:

• Join a hospital or clinic support group – Other people with cancer understand you better, and their experiences may guide you.
• Ask your healthcare team about matters such as community services.
• Talk to a counselor when you feel depressed or very anxious. 
• Spend time with a hobby group or spiritual community (such as a choir or hobby classes).

Talk to your doctors, social workers or someone else on your cancer care team. Your team can provide more tips and information about local resources.