Senior Health: Is Oral Cancer Screening Important for Seniors?

Vancouver Senior Health  |  May 11, 2019

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Oral Health and Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer Screening | Faced with several age-related hurdles, few seniors consider going for an oral cancer screening. However, seniors should always keep oral cancer in mind as, this year alone, as many as 5,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer and the large majority of them will be individuals over the age of 65. This is because advanced age is a risk factor for oral cancer.

The good news, however, is that, if detected early, oral cancer can be treated very effectively. Statistics show that the majority, 65 percent, of individuals diagnosed with oral cancer will live longer than five years. At the same time, those whose oral cancer was detected early have an increased chance of 85 percent.

If you are worried that your loved one may be at risk, work with them to find a convenient time to go in and get screened for oral cancer. Before you do, keep reading and find out more about what oral cancer is and what to do next.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is an umbrella term for several conditions. For the most part, when we talk about oral cancer, we are referring to cancers that develop in the oral cavity. This includes cancers that appear on the floor and roof of the mouth, teeth, gums, lips and cheeks, the front of the tongue, the middle region of the throat and the back of the mouth.

What are the Early Signs of Oral Cancer?

Some early signs should not be overlooked. If you or your senior parent experience soreness, irritation, difficulty in moving your mouth or jaw, lumps, patches, tenderness, or numbness in any of the areas we mentioned above, contact your physician as soon as possible to get screened for oral cancer.

What are Oral Cancer Screenings Like?

They are usually very short and do not take more than ten minutes of your time. Your doctor or dentist will do a physical exam. If they believe you or your senior parent need more extensive screening, they will use a special dye that highlights suspect areas of the mouth or throat. If they suspect cancer, they will take a biopsy and send it for testing.

Are There Effective Treatment Options for Oral Cancer?

Absolutely! They include surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and medication.

Comfort Keepers® is the Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC

Comfort Keepers® is the preferred choice for many families when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Respite Care, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Comfort Keepers®’s 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).

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and 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 which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers® Vancouver office.

Comfort Keepers® Brings You The Best Home Care Assistance Right Where You Live.

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide home care throughout Vancouver that keeps seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond please call (604) 689-8609. 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers® offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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