Blood Cancer in Elders: Symptoms and Treatment
Elder Care in Lake Forest IL
September is National Blood Cancer Awareness month, which is used as a platform to bring public awareness to this form of cancer. Blood cancer typically begins in the bone marrow where the blood is produced, affecting the function and production of blood cells. This is a progressive disease that has impacted the lives of millions of people. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), someone is diagnosed with blood cancer every four minutes, while someone perishes from the disease every 10 minutes. If you fear that the loved one you are providing elder care for may have this illness, an important first step is knowing the facts and treatment options that will be available.
Types of Blood Cancers
There are several blood cancers that can be affecting your loved one’s health. Here are the most common ones to be aware of:
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: It begins in the lymphatic system from cells, also known as lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight off infections. It is the sixth most common cancer in males and seventh in females in the United States.
- Multiple Myeloma: This type of cancer develops in the blood’s plasma cells, which is a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow.
- Hodgkin Lymphoma: Similar to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, it begins in the lymphocytes. The difference between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is the fact that an enlarged lymph node can be found with Hodgkin Lymphoma.
- Leukemia: It originates in the blood-forming tissues and is the most common form of tissue in adolescents under the age of 20.
Symptoms
If your aging loved one who is receiving in-home care begins to show any of the following symptoms, talk to their doctor to find out if they have blood cancer.
- Bone or joint pain
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Discomfort in their abdomen
- Itchy skin
- Swollen lymph nodes around the neck, groin, or underarms
- Fever with chills
- Unusual weight loss
- Night sweats
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Fatigue or weakness
- Frequent infections
While many of these symptoms can be explained by other medical conditions, it is a good idea to speak with a doctor if you have noticed many of these symptoms in your loved one.
Treatment
Depending on the medical condition of the older adult you are assisting with senior care, along with the stage of the disease, there are several treatment options available. Keep in mind that these treatments will not work for everyone, so discuss with your doctor the best course of action for someone with your medical history, age, and gender. Here are some of the most common treatments on the market today:
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used to stop the growth of cancerous cells and may consist of taking several different types of drugs together.
- Stem cell transplantation: This option uses a stem cell transplant to infuse healthy blood-forming stem cells into the body. Stem cells may be acquired from umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, and circulating blood.
- Radiation therapy: This method is a powerful tool for destroying cancer cells and relieving any pain or discomfort. It can also be used prior to the stem cell transplantation.
If caught early enough, blood cancer can be treated.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care services in Lake Forest, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
Source
Healthy Living Made Simple. Sam’s Club. “The facts about blood cancer.”
Cancer Treatment Centers of America. “Blood Cancers – Types and Treatment Options.”
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