Chapter 33Cancer

Chapter 33Cancer

Effect of Aging on the Incidence of CancerEffect of Aging on the Incidence of Cancer

• Elderly have the highest rate of most cancers and lowest rate of receiving early detection tests.

– Their disease may be in an advanced stage when diagnosed.

• Many elders have other health conditions elevating the risk of complications of cancer.

• There is concern as to how the older patient’s already compromised organs will tolerate chemotherapy.

– Other cancer therapies could impact treatment decisions.

Theories Attempting to Explain High Rate of Cancer in ElderlyTheories Attempting to Explain High Rate of Cancer in Elderly

• Biological changes impair the ability to resist cancer.

– Reduced mitochondrial activity

– Changes in the immune system

• Effects of exposure to carcinogens over the years increase risk of cancer.

– Emphasizes the importance of reducing controllable risk factors.

Risk Factors for CancerRisk Factors for Cancer

• Heredity

• Diet

• Nitrates

• Tobacco

• Alcohol

• Radiation

Risk Factors for Cancer (cont.)Risk Factors for Cancer (cont.)

• Ultraviolet radiation

• Occupational exposure to carcinogens

• Radon

Diet and CancerDiet and Cancer

• High fat diets are linked to certain cancers.

– Diets rich in fiber and antioxidants can offer protection against some cancers.

• Cooking certain meats at high temperatures may increase cancer risk.

• Diets including high intake of well-done fried or barbequed meats may increase risk.

Examples of Carcinogens in the EnvironmentExamples of Carcinogens in the Environment

• Asbestos

• Nickel

• Cadmium

• Uranium

• Radon

• Vinyl chloride

• Benzene

Risk Factors for Cancer in WomenRisk Factors for Cancer in Women

• Age over 50

• Women who had their first menstrual period before the age of 12 or experienced menopause after age 55

• Women who had their first child after age 30

• Women who have a first-degree relative or other relative with breast and/or ovarian cancer

Risk Factors for Cancer in Women (cont.)Risk Factors for Cancer in Women (cont.)

• Women whose mothers took diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy

• Women with relatives who have had colon cancer

• Women using long-term hormonal replacement therapy

Preventive Measures for CancerPreventive Measures for Cancer

• Avoid tobacco products.

• Limit exposure to the sun.

• Eat a diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.

• Maintain weight within an ideal range.

• Protect against occupational or other exposure to carcinogens.

• Limit alcohol consumption.

Preventive Measures for Cancer (cont.)Preventive Measures for Cancer (cont.)

• Exercise and be physically active.

• Practice safe sex and limit the number of sexual partners.

• Discuss chemoprevention with your physician if family history increases risk of breast cancer.

Recommended Cancer Screening for Older AdultsRecommended Cancer Screening for Older Adults

• Annual check-up

• Annual mammogram

• Annual fecal occult blood test

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years

• Double contrast barium enema every 5 years

• Colonoscopy every 10 years

Recommended Cancer Screening for Older Adults (cont.)Recommended Cancer Screening for Older Adults (cont.)

• Pap test: every 2-3 years

• Annual endometrial biopsy for women at high risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer

• Annual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and Digital Rectal Examination beginning at age 50

Conventional Cancer Treatment Conventional Cancer Treatment

• Surgery

• Radiation

• Chemotherapy

• Biologic therapy

Complementary and Alternative Methods of Cancer CareComplementary and Alternative Methods of Cancer Care

• Relationship-centered care

• Support

• Healing partnerships

• Comfort

• Hope

American Cancer Society “CAUTION”American Cancer Society “CAUTION”

• Change in bowel or bladder habits

• A sore that does not heal

• Unusual bleeding or drainage

• Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere

• Indigestion or swallowing difficulty

• Obvious change in a wart or mole

• Nagging persistent cough or hoarseness

Categories of Complementary and Alternative TherapiesCategories of Complementary and Alternative Therapies

• Alternative medical systems (e.g., homeopathic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine)

• Mind-body interventions (e.g., visualizations and relaxation)

• Manipulative and body-based methods (e.g., chiropractic and massage)

• Biologically based therapies (e.g., vitamins and herbal products)

• Energy therapies (e.g., qigong and therapeutic touch)

SourceSource

• Eliopoulos, C. (2005).  Gerontological Nursing, (6th ed.).  Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins (ISBN 0-7817-4428-8).