Facts About Cancer and Cancer Prevention That Could Save a Loved One’s Life

Cancer has touched almost everyone’s life in some way. As you age, it’s more important than ever to keep cancer top of mind. Understanding cancer’s symptoms and the ways you can catch it early just might save you or a loved one’s life.

How common is cancer?

According to cancer.gov, approximately 39.5 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes. Additionally, approximately 158.3 out of 100,000 men and women die from cancer each year.

Many people are shocked to learn that there are over 100 different forms of cancer. Although there’s a range of cancers you may be at risk of, certain types are more common than others. In the United States, men are most commonly affected by prostate, colorectal, lung and skin cancers. Women are most commonly affected by breast, colorectal, endometrial, lung, cervical, skin and ovarian cancers.

Prostate cancer is the second-most common form of cancer affecting men in the U.S., and colorectal cancer is the second-most fatal type of cancer among men and women. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women.

Although anyone can get cancer, certain groups of people are at a higher risk. Older individuals, especially, become high risk for cancer as they age. Tobacco use, alcoholism and obesity are other risk factors. Additionally, if a family member has or had cancer, you may be predisposed to it as well.

Common signs of cancer to watch for

The symptoms of cancer can change depending on the type of cancer that’s developing. However, there are some general symptoms every senior should look out for:

• Persistent fatigue or tiredness
• Unexplainable weight loss or weight gain
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• New lumps, bumps or swelling anywhere on the body
• Persistent, unexplainable pain anywhere on the body
• Skin texture or color changes
• Persistent headaches
• Abnormal bleeding from the mouth or in urine/stool

Any abnormal symptoms should be reported to your primary healthcare provider right away. The sooner you report symptoms of cancer, the sooner you can be screened and treated.

Cancer prevention and screening save lives

One of the scariest parts of cancer is how long it can go undetected. By the time you notice distinct symptoms, it might be too late to treat the cancer fully. This is why preventive screenings are imperative — especially for seniors.

The good news is that if you’re enrolled in Medicare, you have access to numerous tests and screenings designed to catch cancer early. During your Welcome to Medicare and Annual Wellness Visits, your doctor should speak to you about these tests and which ones you should consider. Getting screened for cancer annually may not seem like a big deal, but it has the capability to save your life!

These common cancer screenings are covered by Medicare:

• Breast cancer: Annual mammogram for women over 40
• Cervical cancer: One Pap test and pelvic exam every 24 months
• Colorectal cancer: Annual fecal occult blood test for men and women over 50. Additionally, colonoscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopy screenings in men and women (of which the covered frequency of these tests are determined by health risk and medical history)
• Lung cancer: Annual Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) screening for men and women who meet certain health history requirements
• Prostate cancer: Annual digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen blood tests for men over 50

For some tests, you may be responsible for the deductible and a copayment under Medicare Part B. Other tests might be fully covered by Medicare if your doctor orders the test.

Paying attention to cancer symptoms and scheduling preventative screenings are your best defenses against cancer and its dangers. As you age, it’s more important than ever to pay close attention to your health.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

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