Does Cancer Accelerate Aging?

If you have an older adult family member who has completed cancer treatment, you may have noticed that they feel tired often. In fact, they may seem to tire more easily than they used to even after the doctor has given them a clean bill of health. New research says that this might indicate a pattern of accelerated aging and a need to change the focus of cancer treatment.

Cancer and Aging Study

The study was lead by a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and involved information about 300 cancer survivors. The survivors were an average of 74 years old. Participants in the study were asked to complete a treadmill test a few times during the study to test their endurance. Then, they were asked to report on how fatigued they felt. When compared to the information from people who had never had cancer, cancer survivors experienced fatigue at a 1.6 times higher rate. In addition, the cancer survivors walked more slowly. 

The researchers suggest that the results of their study show a need for looking at cancer treatment in a different way. They say that while cancer treatment is currently focused on survival rates, the quality of life post treatment may be just as important. 

Living Post Cancer

In addition to fatigue, you can expect your aging relative to experience a range of other things associated with life post cancer. The American Cancer Society says that life after cancer treatment is like “a new chapter.” But, it’s a chapter that can cause both happiness and fears. Some of the things you can expect after cancer treatment ends are:

• Worry: The older adult might worry about their cancer coming back. They may also think about death more often. They might also be concerned about bills from the treatment.
• Loneliness: Cancer treatment means seeing members of the cancer care team often. When treatment is over, the senior won’t see their health providers as often. In fact, they may not see people as often. 
• Uncertainty: Surviving cancer can leave the person feeling uncertain about what their future will bring. 

Though life post cancer can be difficult, home care can help. A home care provider can help alleviate some of the senior’s worries. They can help to keep them busy so that the don’t spend so much time worrying about their health. A home care provider can also assist the older adult to organize and pay medical bills. In addition, having a home care provider who visits often can reduce the loneliness the senior may be feeling. Also, knowing that a home care provider will be around to assist them on a regular basis can relieve some of the feelings of uncertainty.

Sources
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20180402/after-cancer-accelerated-aging
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorship-during-and-after-treatment/be-healthy-after-treatment/life-after-cancer.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Juno Beach, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.