In long-term care facilities, the most common cancers tend to reflect the cancer types prevalent among older adults, as these facilities primarily serve elderly populations who often have multiple chronic conditions. The cancers most frequently observed in these settings include lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and to a lesser extent, cancers such as bladder and skin cancers.
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in long-term care residents. This is largely because lung cancer incidence increases with age and is strongly associated with smoking history, which is common in older generations. Lung cancer often presents at an advanced stage in elderly patients, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality in long-term care settings.
Colorectal cancer is another frequent diagnosis among residents. Screening for colorectal cancer typically begins around age 45 to 50, but many older adults may have had incomplete screening histories. As a result, colorectal cancer remains a common diagnosis in older populations. This cancer can sometimes be managed effectively if detected early, but in long-term care residents, it is often diagnosed at later stages due to comorbidities and less aggressive screening.
Prostate cancer is highly prevalent among older men in long-term care. Many prostate cancers are slow-growing and may not cause symptoms for years, but they are commonly found during evaluations for urinary symptoms or other health issues. Because prostate cancer can be indolent, some men in long-term care may live with it for years without aggressive treatment, focusing instead on quality of life.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in these facilities. Like prostate cancer, breast cancer in elderly women may be detected through screening or incidentally during care for other conditions. Treatment decisions in long-term care often balance cancer control with the patient’s overall health status and life expectancy.
Other cancers such as bladder cancer and various skin cancers (including melanoma and non-melanoma types) also occur with some frequency. Skin cancers are particularly common because cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime increases risk, and skin changes are more easily observed in long-term care settings.
The presence of cancer in long-term care residents often complicates their overall care. Many residents have frailty and multiple chronic illnesses, which can limit treatment options and affect prognosis. Cancer in this population is frequently managed with a focus on palliative care to improve quality of life rather than aggressive curative treatments. This approach recognizes the balance between treatment benefits and potential burdens in frail older adults.
In addition, cancer survivors in long-term care require ongoing monitoring for recurrence and management of long-term effects from cancer or its treatment. This includes addressing symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and functional decline, which are common in this population.
Overall, the most common cancers in long-term care facilities mirror those seen in the general elderly population, with lung, colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers being predominant. The management of these cancers in long-term care is complex, emphasizing symptom control, quality of life, and individualized care plans that consider the unique needs of frail older adults.
