Cancer in Old Age – Risks & Barriers in Treatment
Cancer is a disease that can affect any age group, but it is more common in older people. As we age, our cells are not as efficient at repairing themselves as they used to be, and so we are more likely to develop genetic abnormalities that can lead to cancers occurring at an earlier age than would otherwise be expected. Age-related changes in the body and mind can make it difficult to recover from cancer. They are also prone to different types of cancer, which makes it difficult to find effective cancer treatment options. Indeed, there are many risks and barriers to cancer treatment for older people.
Risks & Barriers in Cancer Treatment For Older People
As a society, we need to be mindful of the fact that older people have all the right to get proper cancer treatment irrespective of the challenges. Let’s understand them in detail.
Chronic Diseases
Many older patients have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, etc. Your oncologist in Pune must identify these conditions before cancer treatment begins so they can make sure the patient has a better chance of survival and recovery.
Poor Life Expectancy
The poor life expectancy in old age cancer patients is due to the fact that they have to undergo aggressive treatments and the side effects of these treatments may lead to new health complications and shorter life expectancy. This is why it is crucial to understand the cancer severity first and then initiate the treatment.
Surgery Risks
For elderly patients, the risks of infection, pain, blood loss, and discomfort are very high in open surgery. Make sure you choose a hospital that uses Robotic or Laparoscopic cancer surgery in Pune. It will help your patient heal better.
Chemotherapy Risks
Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer that works by killing cancer cells and stopping their growth. However, it also kills the body’s healthy cells and can cause side effects in older patients such as fewer blood cells, also called low blood counts, stomach and digestive problems, and nervous system problems.
Slow Recovery
With age, our immune system weakens and our response time slows down. This makes it harder for older patients to recover from cancer as they need more time for their bodies to adapt to the treatment.
Lack of Clinical Trials
The lack of clinical trials for cancer treatment in older people is a barrier to the treatment process. There is a need to conduct more research and trials to understand treatment options. This is especially true in developing countries that lack resources and access to treatment.
Impacts Overall Health
Cancer is not only physically painful, but it also impacts the overall health of older people. These effects can be physical, emotional, and mental. It makes older patients feel demotivated about cancer treatment success and life expectancy; they often feel alone, and all these factors have a huge impact on recovery.
Taking Care During Cancer Treatment
The needs of cancer patients vary depending on the phase of their treatment and how long they have been fighting the disease. Be there for them physically and mentally. Sometimes, you might need to provide physical assistance as well.
Make no compromise on the quality treatment and choose Galaxy Care Hospital, the best cancer hospital in Pune. We provide compassionate cancer care for patients of all age groups. With advanced surgery techniques, state-of-the-art medical facilities, expert oncologists and onco surgeons, we are a one-stop solution for different types of cancer treatment in Pune. You can trust us for timely treatment and holistic care. Feel free to book your appointment and consult us. We are here to help you give a tough fight against cancer.
