Prostate Cancer A Big Risk For Seniors

A caretaker and the senior go out in masks and gloves

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with an estimated 161,000 new cases in 2017 alone. You might have seen it being talked about on the news or being mentioned by family members. But what are the risk factors? How can you reduce your chances of getting prostate cancer? And what are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer in seniors?

The following are some of the most important things you need to know about prostate cancer in seniors.

How Senior Males Can Reduce The Risk Of Developing Prostate Cancer

Awareness of prostate cancer has been increasing over the years. Here’s a look at what you can do to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.

Men aged 50 and above have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. But there are steps you can take to lower this risk, such as talking with your physician or urologist about blood tests that can detect possible changes in the prostate gland.

Different Types Of Treatment For Older Men With Prostate Cancer

Older men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Age alone does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, but the risk is increased by other factors, such as family history, race, and other medical conditions.

Treatment options for seniors with prostate cancer:

-Hormone therapy

-Radiation therapy

-Chemotherapy

-Surgery

First Alzheimer’s Blood Test Is Available

A senior woman sitting and looking out from the window

Although the test has not yet been approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA),  C2N Diagnostics has started selling a first of its kind : a blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease.  Founders of the company include Dr. David Holtzman and Dr. Randall Bateman, both from the Washington University School of Medicine.  The easiest way to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease to date has been an expensive PET brain scan which most insurance companies don’t cover.  The new blood test is not covered by insurance either.  However, the company offers discounts based on income against the retail price of $1,250. Speak to your doctor about ordering it if you are having concerns about dementia.

https://apnews.com/article/1st-blood-test-diagnose-alzheimer-sale-84a142c77b410d0ac562559e16f8c3f4