How to Navigate a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis with Your Senior

Prostate cancer is currently the most common form of cancer among elderly men, and has actually risen to become the second leading form of cancer in the Western world today.1  As seniors are living longer prostate cancer rates are rising, making it important for elderly individuals and their families to understand what this kind of cancer is and how it can be treated.

Eldercare professionals explain that prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease that begins in the prostate, though the cancer can end up spreading to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, in its very early stages, the condition typically does not show itself in easy-to-spot symptoms. Because it typically only displays when it has progressed, prostate cancer becomes especially dangerous. Some common signs of this kind of cancer to be on the lookout for include:

• The frequent urge to urinate
• Trouble stopping or starting when urinating
• The inability to urinate
• Pain during urination
• Blood in the urine

Senior care professionals note that these symptoms can also indicate other issues and may not necessarily be signs of cancer, but still require a visit to a doctor.

Though scientists are still researching the exact causes behind prostate cancer, there are several risk factors that may indicate whether a person is at risk for developing this disease. These risk factors are as follows:

• Family history
• Age (80 percent of cases occur after a person turns 60)
• Race (African Americans and Caucasians are most at risk)
• Obesity
• A high-fat diet
• A sedentary lifestyle

Should your elderly loved one receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, there are several different ways to proceed. A medical professional can offer insight on the most effective way to go about treating the disease. Such options include surgery, radiation, or hormonal therapy. Many people just assume that chemotherapy is the best course of action in order to preserve senior health, when in reality this strategy is typically only used once the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Compassion and empathy are necessary if your senior is going through prostate cancer treatment, particularly if they were already in declining health. Your elderly loved one may feel frustrated, and may lack the energy they once enjoyed. Understand that this is often the case, and do your best to provide support and assistance for your senior.