As we grow older, being in the right state of health is of the utmost importance. Do you know the doctor recommended health screenings for adults that help enhance the quality of senior health? While the fear of cancer is something that strikes all, cancer screening for seniors screening can provide early diagnosis and be the key to improving prognosis and quality of life.
In this article, we will analyze the value of cancer screening for seniors, screening recommendations, and the possible consequences if these screening requirements are ignored. We also evaluate if there are any wide differences between recommended health screenings for women and recommended health screenings for men.
Why Regular Health Screenings For Seniors Are Important
Screening frequently for health issues in senior citizens is a priority because it enables the detection of health problems at an early stage when they can be easily treated. The likelihood of being affected by different health issues, such as cancer, tends to increase with age.
Seniors can manage their well-being by just taking part in regular medical examinations and following up on recommendations by their doctors. Such check-ups will also help to detect any conditions at an early stage to prevent them from becoming more complicated.
Regular health screenings for adults not only give a sense of security but also assurance that all prevention measures that you can undertake are used to ensure your health. A screening may discover a problem, but early diagnosis usually gives us more effective treatments and the outcomes are better.
Regular check-ups not only enable you to establish a connection with your health caregiver, thereby making the process of expressing your health-related concerns and changes easier.
5 Recommended Health Screenings for Adults
The Canadian equivalent of the United States Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) is the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC). Both agencies provide evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for primary and preventive care aimed at improving the health of Canadians. and Americans and operate similarly.
While there are many types of health screenings available, 5 are especially important for aging adults These include:
1. Colorectal Cancer Screening for Seniors
Colorectal cancer is the third most prevailing type of cancer, taking place in both men and women. USPSTF /CTFPHC suggests that people between 45 and 75 years old should undergo routine check-ups for colorectal cancer at specified regular intervals appropriate for the kind of screening test used.
2. Breast Cancer Screening for Seniors
Both agencies advise women aged 50-74 to have a mammography every two years. Individuals with a family breast cancer history or another risk factor may need earlier or more frequent screening.
3. Prostate Cancer Screening for Seniors
Prostate cancer is one of the top cancers among men. Both agencies advise men who are in the age group of 55 to 69 to talk to their healthcare provider about the possible benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening so that they can know the pros and cons and make an informed choice accordingly.
4. Lung Cancer Screening for Seniors
Lung cancer screening is recommended for older adults who are longtime smokers and who do not have any signs or symptoms of lung cancer using a Low Dose CT scan. It is also suggested that LDCT lung cancer screening should be carried out annually until age 80, or 15 years after the time the senior made the decision to quit smoking.
The Canadian National Lung Screening Trial showed that three annual screens using LDCT may reduce lung cancer mortality by 20%.
5. Skin Cancer Screening for Seniors
It is very important for seniors to have a regular visit with a dermatologist to be evaluated for any skin changes especially if they have a history of excessive sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer.
While these medical conditions are not screened, it is recommended that seniors should also do regular general check-ups for other diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
Your doctor will assist you in deciding upon those screenings that would be fit as per your age, gender, family history, and lifestyle factors. Ask them about it.
Why We Fear Cancer
Facing cancer is a terrible ordeal for many, and I do not blame people for feeling this way. It can be an unpredictable, aggressive illness that is devastating and life-changing.
Cancer generally calls for several regimens of treatment that are quite intense, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or operations, which place great pressure on one’s physical and emotional health.
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the second cause of death in the United States (after heart disease). Every year, cancer causes more than 20 % of deaths including male and female, and irrespective of age.
But, at the same time, it should be noted that all cancers are not the same. Some tumours, when discovered in the primary stage, have a very high chance of a successful treatment.
Another reason is that there is a 99% likelihood that a woman will survive for five years if she is diagnosed with localized breast cancer, and for men, 100% for localized prostate cancer. These statistics attest to the fact that regular screening and early detection contribute greatly to overall health.
The Damage Caused by Cancer
The effects of cancer depend on the type, location, and stage of the disease. Some of the potential consequences of cancer include:
Physical Pain
The major and painful symptom associated with cancer is pain. Later, when the illness is in its critical stage, it can squeeze nearby nerves, organs or bones, which leads to great pain.
Besides pain, cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation can be the reason for this as well. This continuous pain can be very devaluing to a person to such an extent that they are not able to perform their daily tasks and life as they used to.
Moreover, because cancer pain may differ in character and distribution, patients’ pain experience is not the same. Seen in this light, bone cancer can be accompanied by deep and aching pain, while brain cancer may be associated with headaches or seizures.
Organ Damage
Cancer may grow and spread through the body and, ultimately, cause damage or interferences to organ function. The occurrence of such damage to the cells can cause various types of problems, and they may be dependent on the place where the cancer is located.
For instance, shortness of breath and respiratory issues are major symptoms of lung cancer, while colorectal cancer can cause bowel obstruction or bleeding.
Cancer treatments are also among the causes of organ damage in patients. An instance of chemotherapy, in particular, may contribute to brain damage as well as heart problems if it affects the healthy cells along with the cancerous ones.
The risk of radiation therapy for scarring and long-term damage to the organs closest to the target organ is the main disadvantage. The continuous growth of organ damage is what makes cancer so burdensome.
Metastasis
The strongest characteristic of cancer is its capacity to spread to other parts of the body from its original site, the process called metastasis.
When the cancer cells dislodge from the original tumour and find their way through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, they tend to settle in new organs that are distant from the primary cancer site.
Metastatic cancer is more complex than localized cancer and can be more difficult to treat because now a systematic approach is required to tackle cancer cells throughout the body. Furthermore, the appearance of metastatic tumours may trigger more serious illnesses and a poorer rate of survival.
4. Fatigue
The tumour and the condition of fatigue that it can cause are so extreme that people may feel tired and incapable of doing their regular daily activities. This weariness is not the same as that of usual tiredness; it is a constant, overwhelming feeling of exhaustion that, even resting does not seem to improve.
Fatigue can result from diverse reasons, including the illness itself, or anemia, pain, and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Managing fatigue becomes very necessary to maintain the quality of life.
5. Emotional Distress
The psychological effect of a cancer diagnosis is immense. The treatment for cancer that involves physical and financial aspects may also lead to emotional stress, besides emotional distress. People can feel scared, angry, and sad, as well as have a sense of powerlessness about their lives.
Cancer has a long-lasting emotional influence on patients; it alters relationships and work and may cause long-term problems with mental health. It is critical for cancer patients to have the ability to utilize support services, including counselling and support groups, in order to help them deal with the psychological challenges that the disease presents.
Recommended Health Screenings for Adults – Women and Men
Recommended health screenings for adults (women and men) vary by age, risk factors, and personal health history. Although there are some similarities, there are also distinct differences stemming from gender-specific health risks and conditions.
The most well known differences are screenings for breast cancer in women, and screenings for prostrate cancer in men.
A general overview of commonly recommended screenings for both men and women are listed in a separate article since not all of them apply to seniors and the elderly.
Conclusion – Health Screenings for Seniors
The early detection of cancer via screening is one of the most significant elements of health preservation in the senior population. Undergoing recommended screenings will help elderly individuals notice any existing problems on time, which makes them more easily manageable.
Consult your healthcare provider to find out which cancer screenings are appropriate for your age, gender, family history, and lifestyle factors. By remaining vigilant and knowledgeable about your health, you can achieve a better quality of life with the peace of mind to enjoy your retirement years.
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FAQ
What are the essential recommended health screenings for adults?
Essential screenings include blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, blood glucose testing, colorectal cancer screening, and routine vaccinations. Screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer are also vital based on age and risk factors.
How often should adults get a physical exam?
Adults should have a physical exam annually to monitor overall health, update vaccinations, and discuss preventive screenings. Frequency may vary based on individual health needs and risk factors.
At what age should adults start cancer screenings?
- Breast Cancer: Mammograms at age 50 (earlier if high risk).
- Cervical Cancer: Pap smears at age 21.
- Colorectal Cancer: Screenings at age 50.
- Prostate Cancer: PSA testing discussions at age 50 (earlier if high risk).
References
Lung Cancer Canada, Screening https://www.lungcancercanada.ca/en-CA/Lung-Cancer/Screening.aspx
Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2018. Toronto, ON: Canadian Cancer Society; 2018. Available at: cancer.ca/Canadian-Cancer-Statistics-2018-EN
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. “Recommendations on Screening for Lung Cancer.” CMAJ, CMAJ, 5 Apr. 2016, www.cmaj.ca/content/188/6/425.
Home page | United States Preventive Services Taskforce https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/home
