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…
Cervical cancers are still found in elderly women for several interconnected reasons related to biology, screening practices, and the natural history of the disease. Understanding why this happens requires looking at how cervical cancer develops, how it is detected, and…
Oral leukoplakia is a condition characterized by white patches or plaques that develop on the mucous membranes inside the mouth. These patches cannot be rubbed off and are often considered potentially pre-cancerous, especially in older adults. For seniors, understanding the…
Chemotherapy can significantly affect cognitive health in seniors, often causing a condition commonly referred to as “chemo brain” or cancer-related cognitive impairment. This condition involves temporary difficulties with memory, attention, processing speed, multitasking, and word retrieval. Seniors undergoing chemotherapy may…
Anal cancers in aging populations primarily consist of squamous cell carcinoma, which is by far the most common type. This cancer arises from the squamous cells lining the anal canal and anal margin. In older adults, the risk of developing…
Bladder cancer is strongly linked to smoking, especially in elderly men, due to the way harmful chemicals from tobacco accumulate and damage the bladder over many years. When a person smokes, they inhale thousands of chemicals, including over 70 known…
Gastrointestinal cancers, which include cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, and other parts of the digestive tract, often develop slowly and can be difficult to detect early, especially in older adults. Recognizing the early warning signs is crucial because these…
Breast cancer treatment can significantly affect bone density in seniors, primarily because many therapies alter hormone levels that are crucial for maintaining bone strength. In older adults, especially postmenopausal women, this impact is more pronounced due to already declining estrogen…
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in older adults often presents with a range of signs and symptoms that can be subtle at first but tend to worsen as the disease progresses. Because SCLC grows rapidly and spreads quickly, recognizing these…
Elderly patients are often excluded from cancer clinical trials for a variety of interconnected reasons, many of which stem from the design and safety considerations of these studies. Clinical trials are essential for testing new cancer treatments, but the way…