Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide and can strike at any age, but it is more likely to occur in those who are over 50. If you are caring for an elderly loved one who is a male, understanding the symptoms, as well as the risk factors for prostate cancer, is an important part of the care that you give. Knowledge and being proactive can help you notice the symptoms of prostate cancer in your loved one, as well as help you to take steps in lifestyle choices that may decrease his risk of developing this deadly disease. 

What is Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small gland that is responsible for making semen and aiding in reproduction. It’s located directly underneath the bladder. Although small, it often leads to problems with urinating for men as they age, and can sometimes become cancerous. It grows very slowly, so if caught early, the chances of eliminating and curing the person from prostate cancer are high. 

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms. Once symptoms appear, the disease has usually progressed into one of its more dangerous stages. Regular exams can help doctors catch prostate cancer before it develops any symptoms. If it is not detected early, common symptoms include blood while urinating, needing to urinate more often, perhaps even getting up at night to urinate, and trouble urinating. As it progresses, it might lead to symptoms that include back and bone pain, accidental urine leakage, and unplanned weight loss. 

Prostate Risk Factors

Prostate cancer can only occur in men, so by simply being a male, your elderly loved one has an increased risk. Having a family history of prostate cancer as well as being Black can also increase the risk. Lifestyle decisions such as smoking tobacco and being overweight can also increase the risk. 

Reducing the Risk

If your elderly loved one is male and has a family history of prostate cancer, there are steps you can help them take at home to reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer. These lifestyle changes can also reduce the risk of many other cancers and even other diseases like heart disease, so making healthy changes now can keep your loved one feeling great and staying healthy for years to come. 

  • Getting regular exercise
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Eating plenty of cruciferous veggies, like cauliflower, broccoli, and kale
  • Ceasing bad habits like smoking tobacco or drinking too much alcohol

 

Change can be difficult for some, so having a bit of help from a home care provider can be just the support your loved one needs to implement changes such as a better diet or more regular exercise. Home care providers can help with shopping for the best fresh food, as well as offer reminders about being active. A home care provider can often also provide transportation services if your loved one needs to travel to the local senior center to get his steps in or do a few laps around the pool. 

It’s often not enough to simply encourage your loved one to make healthier choices; you might need to provide him with some support in making those choices, so that they become a part of his daily living, and home care services can often help in that manner. 

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care in Santa Monica, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789.

 

Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087