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:
- People that are overweight or obese
- People that have a family history of prostate cancer
- People that are of African-Caribbean heritage
- People that drink heavily on a regular basis