Throughout a senior’s entire lifetime, the cells that make up his or her body are constantly dividing and replicating to create new cells. Each time cells are replicated in this manner, there is a miniscule risk that it will mutate and become cancerous. Unfortunately, this becomes more likely as a person’s cells age due to prolonged exposure to environmental factors. This is why it is imperative for family caregivers in Albuquerque to encourage their senior loved ones to get regular cancer screenings from medical professionals.

Cancer Prevention

Many types of cancer start out as benign, pre-cancerous tumors or cells. When a cancer screening discovers these cells, they can be easily removed before they get the chance to become malignant. Though not all types of cancer screening prevent cancer, screenings for certain types of cancer, such as colorectal, can stop cancer before it even gets the chance to grow.

Higher Chances of Survival

The biggest benefit of cancer screening is that cancer can be detected while it is still in early stages. The survival rates for cancer that has not spread throughout the entire body are much higher, and regular cancer screenings increases the likelihood of early detection. Survival rates can increase by up to 80 percent when cancer is discovered before it has spread.

Enhances Quality of Life

Seniors do not want to have to spend their remaining years undergoing exhausting and expensive cancer treatments. Early detection means that seniors with cancer need fewer invasive treatments that would prevent them from participating in everyday life. Recovery time is also faster when screenings detect early cancer, which means seniors can get back to enjoying their life after cancer.

Affordable Treatment Options

For seniors on a fixed income, discovering that they have cancer can be financially devastating. Cancer screenings typically discover cancer while it can still be removed with basic surgery that is far cheaper than the experimental, pricey chemotherapy drugs that late-stage cancer patients often require.

Should your loved one receive a cancer diagnosis, reach out to Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque. As a trusted provider of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and stroke senior home care Albuquerque, we ensure seniors receive quality care in the comfort of home while managing illness or recovering from injury. Whether your loved one needs transportation to and from cancer treatments, personal care assistance, or emotional support, our compassionate caregivers are available 24/7 to help. Call us today at 505-798-0800 to learn more and schedule a free in-home consultation.

Published On: April 6th, 2016 / Categories: Senior Health /