Cancer : London Health

Cancer can affect people of all ages but certain cancers are more common in older people; examples of these cancers include bowel cancer and prostate cancer.

Bowel cancer

bowel cancer is most common amongst people aged between 60 and 70; the NHS currently runs a screening programme for bowel cancer for people aged between 60 and 69; you can ask your GP about details of this scheme. Symptoms to look out for include:

Changes in bowel habits
Blood in the urine or faeces
Abdominal pains and cramps
Unexplained weight loss

Bowel cancer is usually treated using a combination of medication and radiotherapy; the chances of survival are much higher if the cancer is detected early. The risks of getting bowel cancer can be reduced by:

Cutting down on salt, fatty foods and foods that are high in cholesterol
Exercising regularly
Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and foods that are high in fibre
Stopping smoking
Cutting down on alcohol
Attending a screening programme

Prostate cancer

prostate cancer is the most common form of male cancer; it is most common in men over the age of 55. Symptoms of prostate cancer include:

Frequent need for urination
Sudden need for urination
Feeling of not having emptied the bladder (even after going to the loo)
Pain when urinating or ejaculating
Pain in the testicles
Pain in the joints and muscles

The prognosis for prostate cancer is good if the cancer is detected early and the cancer has not spread; usually, the prostate may be removed by means of surgery and radiotherapy or chemotherapy may also be used. People at risk of prostate cancer include: