Senior Care Medfield MA
When most people hear about lung cancer, they probably assume smoking had something to do with it. However, that is only one risk factor that could cause this type of cancer to develop. Another cause could also be secondhand smoke. Knowing more about this condition will ensure that your loved one gets treated early enough to cure the disease.
An senior care provider can also be hired to provide companionship for the senior, while also observing any changes that occur in their health. Having a professional caregiver is especially helpful for those older adults who live alone.
Causes
Cigarette smoking accounts for about 90 percent of lung cancer victims, but it is not the only risk factor.
Other causes of this disease include:
Secondhand smoke – Does your loved one spend time with someone who does smoke? The longer they are exposed to secondhand smoke, the higher their chances of developing lung cancer.
Asbestos fibers – When someone is exposed to asbestos, the silicate fibers hide in lung tissue for life. People who worked around this chemical are especially at risk.
Radon gas – Approximately 12 percent of lung cancer deaths are the result of exposure to radon gas. This gas is invisible and odorless, but can be detected through certain tests.
Family history – If lung cancer is in your family, you and your loved one are at a higher risk for developing the disease.
Symptoms
Respiratory infections that frequently develop, like pneumonia or bronchitis
Chronic raspy coughing
Shortness of breath that continues to get worse
Hoarseness
Weakness and pain in the shoulder, hand, or arm
Weight loss or lack of appetite
Fatigue or weakness
Severe headaches
Frequently developing a fever
Pain throughout the body
Trouble swallowing
If your loved one develops any of the following severe symptoms, call their doctor immediately.
Chronic cough that contains blood-streaked mucus
Hoarseness
Wheeziness
Lung infection that constantly comes back
Treatment Options
The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the better the elder’s chance of ridding their body of the cancerous cells through the following treatment options.
Chemotherapy: The medicine enters your bloodstream and can control the growth and spread of the disease.
Radiation: High-energy X-rays are used to help shrink the tumors and kill the cancerous cells.
Surgery: This procedure can only be performed on those who have non-small cell lung cancer. Those with advanced lung cancer are not suitable for this treatment option.
Pain medication: Pain may develop at some point while trying to fight the cancerous cells. Medication may be prescribed to help the senior manage their pain much easier.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Medfield MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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