Cancer Screening For Senior Citizen: Cancer is the most deadly disease of today’s time, if you want to avoid it, then get some important tests done in time. If there are elders of 60 years or more in your house, then definitely get this cancer test done for them.
Cancer Test For Senior Citizens: If there is any most dangerous and deadly disease in today’s time, then the name of cancer comes first. Cancer is not only painful, but it is also costly and deadly because the chances of survival are very low. Therefore, doctors and experts always say that if we want to avoid this deadly disease, then there are precautions and some important tests, which people of all ages should definitely get done. Today we will learn about some important cancer tests, which every senior citizen after the age of 60 must get done. After the age of 60, many changes start taking place in the body. The immune system starts becoming weak, cell function starts decreasing and due to this the risk of cancer also increases. At this age, many times the initial symptoms of cancer are not visible, which is called “silent cancer”. But the good thing is that if regular health checkups and some important cancer screening tests are done on time, then cancer can be caught in the early stages, due to which the treatment can be easy and successful.
Why are cancer screening tests necessary after the age of 60?
As age increases, the cells of the body start changing and their working capacity also starts decreasing. Sometimes these changes take the form of cancer cells. But in the initial stage, these changes occur without any pain or symptoms, due to which people do not understand that they have cancer. Especially lung, colon, breast, prostate and skin cancer often grow without symptoms. Therefore, for people aged 60+, cancer tests are not only necessary but can prove to be life saving.
Which tests should be done to avoid cancer after 60 years?
- Colonoscopy- To detect cancer of the colon i.e. large intestine.
- Low-dose CT Scan – to check for lung cancer, especially if the person has smoked for years.
- Mammography – For early detection of breast cancer in women.
- Pap Smear and HPV Test – to detect cervical cancer, especially for women who have never had a test.
- PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen Test) – to screen for prostate cancer in men.
- Skin Examination – To check for any new warts, moles or marks that may appear on the body, which may be a symptom or sign of skin cancer.
- The purpose of these tests is not to catch the disease but to prevent it in time.
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When and how often should these tests be done?
Doctors decide the duration of the test according to each person’s medical history, diet, family genetic factors and lifestyle. Colonoscopy is generally recommended every 10 years, mammography every 2 years, and PSA or skin checkup on an annual basis. If there is a family history of cancer, your doctor may recommend increasing the frequency of testing.
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FAQ related to cancer test-
1. Are cancer tests mandatory after the age of 60?
It is not necessary that all tests be done for every person, but some basic cancer screening should be done by every senior citizen with the advice of the doctor.
2. Are cancer tests painful?
Most tests, such as blood tests, Pap smears, or mammography, are routine tests and involve very mild discomfort, but no pain. Tests like colonoscopy or biopsy may be a little uncomfortable but are safe.
3. If someone in the family has cancer, should other people also get tested?
Yes, genetic history can increase the risk of cancer. Such people should start cancer screening before the age of 50 or as per the doctor’s advice.
4. Can this cancer screening be done for free in government hospitals?
Cancer screening tests are available for senior citizens at very low cost or free under many government hospitals and health schemes.
5. Can cancer testing really save lives?
Yes, because these tests help in identifying cancer in its early stages. If cancer is detected in the early stages, it can be cured up to 90% of the time.