Cancer treatment options for the elderly plus side effects

Did you know that more than 60% of people with cancer are more than 60 years old? Unfortunately, there are not so many cancer treatment options for the elderly.

This is because usually the elderly also have other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. As a result, the side effects that can arise from the treatment of the elderly are far more serious.

What types of treatment can the parents undergo?

Types of cancer treatment for the elderly

According to the oncologist from Memorial Sloan Kettering, Stuart Lichtman, the elderly who suffer from cancer may need consultation with experts before undergoing treatment.

The consultation aims to help them determine what type of treatment is suitable for people over 60 years of age.

There are several treatment options that can be undertaken by the elderly, namely:

Operation
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy

Just like other treatments, all three have risks, especially for the elderly. This is because their bodies are no longer the same as when they were young.

Therefore, there are several considerations that they and their families should think about in order to get maximum results.

Surgery side effects on the elderly

Before choosing what type of cancer treatment is suitable for the elderly, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor first. If the elderly are unable to perform surgery, there may be other, relatively safer options to help treat cancer.

This is because there are some side effects that may occur after they have had the surgery.

Interferes with heart function. When an elderly person who also has heart problems performs surgery, there are times when blood pressure suddenly increases and worsens the situation.
Requires well-functioning kidneys. Some organ functions in the elderly are generally not optimal anymore in old age, including the kidneys. Some postoperative drugs may make the kidneys work more difficult to filter drugs.
Lung function cannot accommodate air. Again, the problem of body function that is not optimal is a challenge in itself. Especially if the elderly suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it makes it more difficult for them to recover from anesthesia.

Chemotherapy side effects in the elderly

Unlike surgery, chemotherapy will take a long time until the cancer patient's body condition improves. Normally, this treatment will last for weeks to months.

For cancer patients who are still young, the effects of chemotherapy can be very clear, especially for the elderly.

Some of the side effects that may be felt include:

The number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets decreases thus increasing the risk of anemia, bleeding, and the appearance of bruises on the body.
Indigestion, such as nausea and vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea.
Nervous system damage which can lead to forgetfulness, frequent fatigue, and other distractions.

Actually, there are tips that are quite effective in preventing complications of cancer treatment for the elderly. For example, make a list of all your medications. Starting from over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbs.

Providing your doctor with a list of medications you are taking will help them better diagnose your condition before starting chemotherapy.

Radiation side effects on the elderly

The cancer treatment for the elderly that may be done is radiation. Radiation is usually done outside your body or by placing a small object containing radioactivity inside your body, close to the site of the tumor.

The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the type, dose, and location of the cancer.

Given the greater risk for elderly cancer treatment, you and your family should consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate steps. That way, you and your family can take the safest path and have the least side effects for your elderly condition.

Photo Source: Aging in Places