Edmonton Senior Health | May 11, 2019
Seniors and Oral Cancer | We do not often think about oral cancer, however, the older members of our population should consider oral cancer screening mandatory. This year, some 5,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer. Many of those individuals will be over the age of 65 as advanced age is a risk factor for oral cancer.
The large majority, or 65 percent, of individuals diagnosed with oral cancer, will live beyond five years.
When oral cancer is detected early with proper screenings, the number of individuals that will live past five years after diagnosis goes up to 85 percent.
If your loved one has complained about symptoms you think may be indicative of cancer, the time to act is now. Read on and get your loved one the help they need.
When we talk about oral cancer, we are usually referring to cancers occurring on the floor and roof of the mouth. It can also occur in the teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, the front of the tongue, the middle of the throat, and the back of the mouth.
Oral cancer does cause noticeable changes in the mouth. They are, however, often overlooked by seniors. Signs include soreness, irritation, trouble moving the mouth or jaw, thick patches of skin, tenderness, numbness, and issues with swallowing or chewing.
Very often, treatment involves surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and medication. If your loved one is or has been diagnosed with oral cancer, they may receive any one of these treatments or a combination.
If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs.
Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.
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