Age and cancer risk

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Age is the biggest risk factor for developing cancer. In fact, 60% of people with cancer are 65 years of age or older, and only 60% of those who survive are diagnosed with the disease. The best cancer treatment plan depends on the person's health, lifestyle, desires, and other factors.

1. Why are the elderly susceptible to cancer?

Body cells become weak Over time, the cells in our body can become weak. This can happen by chance or be caused by things like cigarette smoke or UV rays from the sun. When these damaged cells accumulate without repair, they grow abnormally and can lead to cancer.
Effects of aging As we age, there is more time to accumulate damaged cells and thereby increase the likelihood of cancer. However, this does not mean that everyone will definitely get cancer as they get older. The aging process of the body is an effective defense mechanism against cancer, forcing cancer cells to stop dividing. But this aging mechanism sometimes fails and accumulates cancer-causing mutations, eventually creating uncontrolled cell growth, cancer cell formation and spread throughout the body. The longer you live, the more faulty genes your body accumulates. Over time, these mutations can lead to cancer.

Immune system decline In addition to these intrinsic cellular changes, other processes in the body also become less effective with age such as the body's immune system becoming less able to protect the body and less effective in detecting and fighting infections or diseases including cancer.

2. How to treat cancer for the elderly?

Understanding cancer and its treatment can greatly affect the quality of life of older people with cancer. Here are tips on how to prepare for some of the situations you may face when you are diagnosed with cancer.
Coping with comorbidities or disabilities Get advice from your doctor or direct caregiver about the medications to be taken and a treatment plan for all your other illnesses that affect you, such as: about cancer treatment.
Get help with daily activities These activities can include shopping, getting dressed, or taking care of your family. Options include getting help from a friend or family member, hiring help, or seeking help through a nonprofit, senior center, or your spiritual community.
Build a diet

Good nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment. During treatment, older adults are especially likely to lose weight without trying. This can put you at risk for other health problems. It can be helpful to have friends or family bring food, stock your meals with foods that taste good to you, and order meals from a service, if your budget allows.

Vinmec International General Hospital provides customers with cancer screening packages according to age, sex and pathology such as: Lung cancer screening, stomach cancer screening, breast cancer screening, ...For the purpose of health control, timely detection and treatment of disease even when there are no symptoms.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health System nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.
Reference source: Cancer.net

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