As the risk for developing cancer increases with age, it’s important for seniors and their caregivers to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of cancer. If you have an elderly loved one who is female, knowing symptoms of cancer among women can help ensure early diagnosis and treatment. To help ensure that you can detect cancer early on, the senior care experts at Home Care Assistance of Oakville present five of the most common cancer symptoms among women.
1. Bulges, Bumps, and Lumps
Cancer can cause unusual growths in the body, so keep an eye out for bulges, bumps, or lumps that have appeared over time. Women are particularly likely to develop lumps in the lymph nodes and breasts, so have your elderly loved one be sure to be extra thorough when doing self-exams of these areas.
2. Numbness
Some cancer symptoms present as tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. As tumors grow, they can sometimes begin applying pressure to nerves, leading to diminished or altered sensation in different parts of the body.
3. Unexplained Weight Fluctuation
One of the first signs of cancer is an unexplained weight loss of ten or more pounds. Take note if your loved one’s clothes seem to fit differently or she is mentioning a weight change that cannot be explained by a shift in her eating habits.
4. Unusual or Recurring Pain
Sometimes tumors put pressure on nearby organs, blood vessels, or nerves, leading to localized discomfort or pain. While there are many causes this kind of recurring pain, if your loved one reports feeling pain in the same area several times and is experiencing other symptoms, it’s important to have her screened by a physician.
5. Overwhelming Fatigue
Cancer cells use up a great deal of energy, in turn sapping energy from your loved one. The overwhelming fatigue or extreme tiredness your senior loved one feels may be a symptom of cancer, especially if she experiences fatigue for two or more weeks’ time.
Being familiar with the signs and symptoms of diseases like cancer is a good step toward helping ensure your mom, grandmother, or other female relative stays healthy. For other ways to promote your elderly loved one’s health, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our professional caregivers are expertly trained to provide assistance for a variety of senior conditions, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s care in Oakville. To learn more about our home care services, dial (905) 337-1200 to speak with a Care Manager and schedule a free in-home consultation.